Ravichandran Ashwin, popularly known as “Ashwin,” is an Indian cricketer who has gained immense fame and respect for his skills as a spinner. He is known for his unique bowling style and his ability to outsmart batsmen with his variations in spin and pace. Ashwin is considered one of the best spinners in the world and has been instrumental in India’s success in Test cricket over the years. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Ravichandran Ashwin.
Early Life and Career:
Ravichandran Ashwin was born on September 17, 1986, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. His father Ravichandran was a former cricketer who played for Tamil Nadu, and it was his influence that led Ashwin to take up the sport. As a child, Ashwin was passionate about cricket, and he spent most of his time playing the sport with his friends.
Ashwin started his cricketing journey as a fast bowler, but he soon switched to off-spin after being advised by his coach. He played for Tamil Nadu at the junior level and made his debut for the state team in the 2006-07 season. In his debut season, he picked up 31 wickets in 7 matches, and his performance earned him a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
IPL and International Career:
In the IPL, Ashwin played for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and was an integral part of their success. He played for CSK from 2008 to 2015, and during this period, he won the IPL title twice and the Champions League T20 once. Ashwin’s performances in the IPL caught the attention of the national selectors, and he made his debut for India in 2010.
Ashwin made his debut against Sri Lanka in a One Day International (ODI) and picked up 2 wickets in his very first match. He soon became a regular member of the Indian team, and his performances in the 2011 World Cup played a significant role in India’s triumph in the tournament. Ashwin’s performances in the Test format were also impressive, and he quickly established himself as India’s lead spinner.
Ashwin’s style of bowling is unique, and he has the ability to deceive batsmen with his variations in spin and pace. He has a wide range of deliveries in his arsenal, including the carrom ball, which he learned from his friend and former teammate Ajantha Mendis. Ashwin’s ability to bowl consistently in the right areas and his knack for picking up wickets at crucial junctures of the game have made him one of the most successful spinners in the world.
Achievements:
Ashwin has numerous achievements to his credit, both at the domestic and international levels. He has taken over 400 Test wickets, and he is the fastest Indian bowler to reach the landmark. He is also the only bowler in Test cricket to have taken four or more wickets in each of the first ten innings of his career.
Ashwin has won several awards for his performances, including the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2016. He has also been named the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year on three occasions (2012, 2016, and 2021) and has been named the Indian Cricketer of the Year by the BCCI twice (2010 and 2016).
Off the field, Ashwin is known for his intelligent and analytical approach to the game. He is an avid reader and a keen observer of the sport, and he has written several articles on cricket for leading publications in India.
