When Ravichandran Ashwin first broke into the Indian Test team in 2011, he faced considerable criticism. Many viewed him as a ‘white-ball specialist,’ doubting his ability to succeed in the rigours of Test cricket. Yet as Ashwin bids farewell to all formats of the game, he leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest Test players. But let’s not overlook the legend’s invaluable contributions to white-ball cricket.
While Ashwin’s mastery of long spells and his role as the spearhead of India’s bowling attack during their dominant run at home since 2015 are celebrated, his white-ball heroics—often in tandem with MS Dhoni’s brilliance behind the stumps—are equally unforgettable.
The Champions Trophy 2013 Final
In the rain-marred final of the 2013 Champions Trophy, Ravichandran Ashwin showcased nerves of steel and a wizardry with the ball that scipted his name into Indian cricket folklore. Tasked with defending a modest 129, Ashwin rose to the occasion, delivering a spell that turned the tide in India’s favor.
Opening his account with remarkable precision, Ashwin struck twice in successive overs, dismissing Jonathan Trott and Joe Root to derail England’s chase. His first two overs yielded just six runs and two wickets, an exceptional effort in a high-stakes encounter. As the tension mounted, Ashwin bowled a game-changing maiden in his third over, which tightened the noose around England’s batting lineup.
When the equation boiled down to England needing 15 off the final over, MS Dhoni entrusted Ashwin to deliver under immense pressure. True to his reputation, the spinner showcased remarkable composure, outwitting the batters with his variations and taking India to a thrilling five-run victory.
Ashwin’s brilliant 2/15 was more than just figures; it was a defining performance that secured India the Champions Trophy title and reaffirmed his stature as a match-winner in clutch moments.
The genius T20 World Cup leave
Ravichandran Ashwin once again showcased his unmatched game awareness and composure in one of the most nail-biting moments of the T20 World Cup 2022. Facing Pakistan in a high-stakes tournament opener at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, India needed 16 runs off the final over to seal a dramatic win.
With Virat Kohli’s heroic knock keeping India alive, the equation boiled down to two runs required off the final ball. Ashwin, walking in under immense pressure, displayed a remarkable presence of mind. As Mohammad Nawaz delivered a high-pressure delivery, Ashwin coolly assessed that the ball would miss his leg stump and let it sail past. His judgment paid off, earning India a crucial extra run as the umpire signalled a wide.
Now with the scores level, the pressure remained intense, but Ashwin stayed unfazed. Off the very next delivery, he lofted the ball gracefully over mid-off as India secured a historic victory.
This moment showcased Ashwin’s cricketing intelligence, proving why he is often hailed as one of the sharpest minds in the game.
The 2011 ODI World Cup winner
Ravichandran Ashwin played a key role in India’s historic ODI World Cup 2011 triumph, contributing with his skills and temperament in critical moments. Though he wasn’t a regular starter throughout the tournament, his performances when called upon proved impactful.
Ashwin made his first appearance in the group stage against the West Indies, where his tight and disciplined bowling ensured India restricted the opposition. He finished with figures of 10-1-41-2, picking up the crucial wickets of Chris Gayle and Devon Smith. His ability to contain runs while striking at key moments gave the team an edge.
In the high-stakes quarter-final against defending champions Australia, Ashwin once again stepped up. Opening the bowling, he applied pressure right from the start, dismissing Shane Watson and keeping the scoring rate in check. His calmness in a crunch situation demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, which was vital for India’s bowling attack.
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When Ashwin registered his best T20I figures
Ashwin’s brilliance with the ball was on full display in the 3rd T20I against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam, 2016. Opening the bowling, he dismantled the top order, dismissing Niroshan Dickwella and Tillakaratne Dilshan in his first over. He went on to claim two more wickets in the powerplay, finishing with exceptional figures of 4-1-8-4- his best in T20Is. Ashwin’s spell left Sri Lanka reeling at 82 all out, leaving them helpless against his craft.
India’s trump card in high-stakes encounter
Ravichandran Ashwin delivered a masterclass with the ball in a pivotal clash against Australia during the T20 World Cup 2014, solidifying India’s unbeaten march into the semifinals.
Defending a competitive total of 159, Ashwin spun a web around the Australian batters, dismantling their chase with his precise bowling. His spell began with a crucial breakthrough as he dismissed Aaron Finch and set the tone for the innings. He followed it up with the prized scalps of David Warner and the explosive Glenn Maxwell, effectively extinguishing Australia’s hopes of a comeback.
As the innings neared its end, Ashwin returned to seal the deal, claiming the final wicket of James Muirhead. His remarkable figures of 3.2-0-11-4 showed why he was India’s trump card in high-stakes encounters.
