Ravichandran Ashwin: 5 Unforgettable Moments That Defined His International Cricket Career

Ravichandran Ashwin’s illustrious international cricket career is a treasure trove of remarkable achievements, match-winning performances, and unforgettable moments that have cemented his legacy as one of the finest spinners the game has ever seen.

With ‘Ash Anna’ bidding farewell to international cricket, it’s the perfect time to reflect on five of the most iconic moments from his extraordinary career. Let’s be honest, narrowing it down to just five wasn’t easy—his journey has been packed with countless unforgettable performances. From weaving magic with his carrom balls to stepping up as a dependable lower-order batter, Ashwin has always delivered when it mattered most. 

1) Debut Delight: Making an Instant Mark 

Ravichandran Ashwin’s Test debut in November 2011 against the West Indies at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla was nothing short of spectacular. For a young spinner stepping into the big shoes left by stalwarts like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, the pressure was immense. Yet, Ashwin didn’t just rise to the occasion—he owned it, announcing his arrival on the world stage with a performance brimming with confidence and class. 

In that match, Ashwin showcased the guile, control, and cricketing intelligence that would soon become his hallmark. He took nine wickets across both innings, including a brilliant six-wicket haul in the second innings. His 6/47 dismantled the West Indian batting lineup, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe of his ability to outthink batsmen. The variations he deployed, from traditional off-spin to subtle changes in flight and pace, gave a glimpse of the cerebral cricketer he would become. 

But it wasn’t just his bowling that made headlines. Ashwin’s calm demeanor under pressure and willingness to embrace responsibility set him apart. At a time when India’s spin department was transitioning, his performance brought hope to a nation eager for its next spin wizard. By the end of the series, Ashwin had made an indelible mark. He claimed 22 wickets in the three-Test series and even chipped in with a maiden Test century in the final match, showcasing his potential as a dependable lower-order batsman. His exploits earned him the Player of the Series award—a rare feat for a debutant. 

2) 2012/13 Border-Gavaskar Trophy: The Spin Maestro’s Finest Hour 

Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance in the 2012/13 Border-Gavaskar Trophy was a true masterclass in spin bowling, cementing his reputation as one of the finest bowlers of his generation. The series against Australia was played in India, where the conditions were tailor-made for spinners. Ashwin, however, didn’t just thrive—he dominated, finishing as the series’ leading wicket-taker with a staggering 29 wickets in four Tests. 

From the very first Test in Chennai, Ashwin set the tone for what would be a dream series. On a surface offering bounce and turn, he was nearly unplayable, taking 12 wickets in the match, including a mesmerizing 7/103 in the first innings. His ability to extract sharp turn while maintaining impeccable control left Australian batsmen in a web of doubt. The likes of Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, and David Warner—all accomplished players of spin—found themselves undone by Ashwin’s variations and guile. Ashwin’s contributions were not limited to the ball. In the Chennai Test, he also showcased his all-round ability with a crucial 103 in India’s first innings. His batting allowed India to post a commanding total and laid the foundation for an emphatic victory. 

As the series progressed, Ashwin continued to shine. Whether it was the 5-wicket haul in Hyderabad or his match-winning spells in Mohali and Delhi, he remained a constant thorn in Australia’s side. His performance in the series not only helped India achieve a 4-0 whitewash but also redefined the role of a spinner in modern cricket—an attacking weapon capable of running through sides. The 2012/13 Border-Gavaskar Trophy was Ashwin at his finest, a series that highlighted his genius and established him as the cornerstone of India’s bowling attack for years to come. 

3) 2016: Ashwin’s Year of Supremacy 

The year 2016 will forever be remembered as the pinnacle of Ravichandran Ashwin’s career, a period when he reached heights few cricketers ever achieve. Across formats, he was in scintillating form, but it was in Test cricket that Ashwin truly reigned supreme. The off-spinner finished the year as the highest wicket-taker, scalping 72 wickets in just 12 matches at an astonishing average of 23.90. His dominance earned him the ICC Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year awards. 

Ashwin’s mastery was on full display during India’s Test series against England in late 2016. In the fourth Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, he produced a stunning all-round performance. On a surface offering variable bounce and turn, Ashwin decimated England’s batting order, taking 6/112 in the first innings and 6/55 in the second. His 12-wicket haul crushed England’s hopes of a comeback and sealed a series victory for India. 

Ashwin wasn’t just a bowler in 2016; he was a complete match-winner. His contributions with the bat were equally crucial, with two centuries and several critical partnerships that rescued India in tough situations. The year solidified Ashwin’s standing as the most valuable cricketer in the Indian team, a spinner who could dictate terms with both the ball and the bat. It was a year of sheer supremacy, and Ashwin emerged as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation. 

4) 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy: The Warrior’s Spirit 

The 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will forever be remembered as one of the greatest series in Test cricket, and Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance in that series was nothing short of legendary. The series was a rollercoaster ride for India, and Ashwin's contribution was pivotal, both with the ball and with the bat. 

Ashwin's bowling throughout the series was exceptional. He took 12 wickets in the 3 matches he played, with standout performances in Melbourne and Brisbane. His spell in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG was a masterclass, as he claimed 3 wickets in the second innings, leading India to a famous victory. His ability to adapt to the Australian conditions, using the bounce and turn, was key in breaking partnerships and putting pressure on the Australian batting line-up. 

However, it was his bat that truly made headlines in the final Test at the Gabba. With India needing 324 to win and only a handful of wickets remaining, Ashwin produced one of the most iconic innings of his career. He scored a gritty 39* from 128 balls, fighting through pain and fatigue alongside Hanuma Vihari in a 62-run stand that took India within touching distance of victory. His resilience with the bat, despite his back injury, played a crucial role in India’s historic series win. 

5) Ashwin’s Presence of Mind vs Pakistan at the MCG 

Ravichandran Ashwin's role in India's thrilling victory over Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup was one of those unforgettable moments in cricket history, but it came with a twist. The game, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), was an edge-of-your-seat thriller, with Ashwin playing a pivotal part in guiding India home in a pressure-filled chase. The match had already seen some incredible batting displays, none more so than Virat Kohli's spectacular knock of 82* off 53 balls. Kohli single-handedly anchored India’s chase of 160, producing some of the most iconic shots of his career, including those famous boundaries off the last few balls of the 19th over. His composure and class had put India in a position where they needed 16 runs from the final over. 

With India needing 16 from 6, the task was left to Kohli and Ashwin. The bowler was the capable Pakistani off-spinner, Mohammad Nawaz, and the equation was tense. On the sixth ball of the over – with India needing two runs to win – Nawaz delivered a ball which was heading straight at Ashwin’s pad. But Ash had the presence of mind to expertly leave the delivery from Nawaz that was called a wide by the umpire, taking India closer to victory. With just one ball remaining, Ashwin then faced a full delivery and, with the calmness of a seasoned cricketer, flicked the ball over the in-field for a four to seal the win. Ashwin’s presence at that moment wasn’t just about the runs but about his ability to handle pressure. Kohli’s brilliance had set the stage, but it was Ashwin's composed finish that earned India a famous win.

Also Read: Spin Legend Ravichandran Ashwin Retires From International Cricket