Ravichandran Ashwin has officially called it quits from international cricket following the third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday, wrapping up an incredible career that lasted more than ten years. Renowned for his outstanding off-spin bowling and valuable batting contributions, Ashwin leaves behind a legacy as one of India's top match-winners.

Throughout his career, Ashwin set numerous records, including over 700 international wickets and several standout batting performances. He stands as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 537 wickets at an impressive average of 24 across 106 matches, trailing only Anil Kumble, who took 619 wickets in 132 Tests.

Beyond his bowling skills, Ashwin was also a dependable batsman, scoring 3503 runs in Tests, which includes six centuries and 14 fifties. This achievement places him in an exclusive club of 11 allrounders who have surpassed 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket. Additionally, Ashwin's 11 Player-of-the-Series awards tie him with Muttiah Muralitharan for the most in Test history.

India's home Test series against England in early 2024 was a significant milestone for Ravichandran Ashwin. He achieved two major feats during the five-match series: reaching 500 Test wickets and becoming the 14th Indian to play 100 Tests. He hit the 500-wicket mark in just 98 matches, making him the fastest Indian bowler to do so, joining the ranks of another spin great, Anil Kumble.

Ashwin's knack for stepping up in crucial moments was evident in his performances against top teams, both at home and overseas. Let’s take a look at some of his standout bowling performances.

5/32 and 7/66 against South Africa (Nagpur, 2015)

In Nagpur, Ashwin took charge of India's bowling attack after the team was all out for a mere 215 in their first innings. Teaming up with Ravindra Jadeja, he tore through South Africa's batting order, finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 32 and restricting them to only 79 runs. In the fourth innings, he wrapped up the match with a stellar performance, claiming 7 for 66, which led India to a 124-run victory and a 2-0 lead in the series.

4/8 against Sri Lanka in the 3rd T20I held in Visakhapatnam back in 2016.

Ashwin kicked off the bowling in this T20I and quickly had Sri Lanka struggling. He took out both openers in his first over and snatched up two more wickets shortly after. With figures of 4-1-8-4, he kept Sri Lanka to a mere 82 runs, paving the way for an easy victory for India.

6/81 and 7/59 against New Zealand (Indore, 2016)

In the third Test match against New Zealand, Ashwin was a key player in securing India's win. He grabbed 6 wickets for 81 runs in the first innings, which helped India build a solid lead, and then he followed it up with an impressive 7 for 59 in the second innings. His outstanding performance, which marked his best career figures, led India to a massive 321-run victory.

5 wickets for 43 runs and 3 wickets for 53 runs against England in Chennai, 2021.

Ashwin really shone in this Test match, playing a key role in India's victory. He grabbed 5 wickets for 43 runs in the first innings, keeping England in check, and then smashed a century in India's second innings, putting up a target of 482 runs. To top it all off, he took three more wickets, helping India secure a massive 317-run win.

7/83 against the West Indies in North Sound, 2016.

Ashwin played a key role in this Test, shining with both bat and ball. He hit a century in India’s first innings, helping the team reach a total of 566/8. Then, he delivered a fantastic bowling performance in the second innings, taking 7 wickets for 83 runs, which led India to a convincing innings win.

7 out of 103 and 5 out of 95 against Australia (Chennai, 2013)

In the opening Test of the 2013 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin really took charge against Australia’s batsmen. He claimed 7 wickets for 103 runs in the first innings and followed it up with 5 for 95 in the second, leading India to a solid victory.

2/15 against England in the 2013 Champions Trophy Final.

In a tense, low-scoring final, Ashwin really stepped up when it mattered. He took two key wickets and bowled a maiden over at a pivotal moment. In the last over, he managed to defend 14 runs, leading India to a five-run victory and clinching the Champions Trophy.

Read Also: Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir were the only ones aware of R Ashwin's retirement plans; everyone else, even Kohli, was taken by surprise.

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