Ravichandran Ashwin: India’s Spin Wizard
Introduction Ravichandran Ashwin is one of India’s premier spin bowlers. Born on September 17, 1986, in Chennai, Ashwin made his debut for the Indian cricket team in 2010 and has since then established himself as a world-class bowler in all formats of the game.
Early Career Ashwin’s career began with his impressive performances for Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket. His ability to bowl accurate off-spin and generate bounce from the wicket made him a valuable asset for his state team. He made his debut for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2009 and was instrumental in their title-winning campaigns in 2010 and 2011.
Unique Bowling Style Ashwin has a unique bowling style that has made him a difficult bowler to face for batsmen around the world. He is known for his ability to bowl variations in pace, flight, and turn, making it difficult for batsmen to pick his deliveries. He is also known for his carrom ball, a delivery that spins the opposite way to his off-spin, which has troubled many top-order batsmen.
Consistency in All Formats Ashwin’s ability to perform consistently in all formats of the game is what sets him apart from other spin bowlers. He has taken wickets at an average of under 25 in both Test and ODI cricket and under 23 in T20Is. His ability to bowl long spells and control the game from one end has made him a valuable asset for the Indian cricket team.
Match-Winning Performances Ashwin has a knack for taking crucial wickets in crunch situations. His performances in the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy were crucial in India’s success in those tournaments. He has the ability to turn the game around with his wickets and has often been the match-winner for India.
Off the Field Off the field, Ashwin is known for his intelligence and wit. He holds a degree in engineering and is an avid reader. He is also a food lover and has even launched his own restaurant chain in Chennai.
Controversies Ashwin has been involved in a few controversies during his career. In 2018, he was accused of ‘Mankading’ Jos Buttler during an IPL match, a move that divided opinions among cricket fans and experts. He was also criticised for his decision to bowl short deliveries to Steve Smith during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which many felt was unsportsmanlike.
Conclusion In conclusion, Ravichandran Ashwin is one of India’s best spin bowlers and a vital cog in their bowling lineup. His unique bowling style, consistency in all formats of the game, and match-winning performances make him a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to take wickets and win matches for India, Ashwin’s legacy in world cricket is sure to grow even more.