Ravichandran Ashwin has broken his silence on the recent heated exchange between India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Oval pitch curator Lee Fortis. The argument occurred just days before the decisive fifth Test between India and England. The clash was triggered when Fortis asked Indian support staff to stay 2.5 meters away from the pitch,…
Shubman Gill has emerged as the standout performer for India in their ongoing Test series against England. His brilliant batting in both the Birmingham win and Manchester draw has not only kept India in the contest but also earned high praise from former cricketers. Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking after the fourth Test, said that while India…
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has defended Indian skipper Shubman Gill’s bold decision to hand the new ball to debutant Anshul Kamboj during the fourth Test against England in Manchester. While many questioned the call—especially with experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj in the lineup—Ashwin explained that there was a sound tactical reason behind the move. Kamboj,…
Cheteshwar Pujara backs Ravindra Jadeja after criticism for slow batting at Lord’s, calls his knock brave and technically sound in tough conditions.
Ravichandran Ashwin Biography: India’s Modern Spin Maestro
Ravichandran Ashwin was born on September 17, 1986, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His father, Ravichandran, played cricket at club level, and Ashwin’s early interest in the game stemmed from watching him. Ashwin studied at Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan and later at St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, where his cricketing skills began to flourish. He pursued a B.Tech in Information Technology from SSN College of Engineering.
Domestic and Early Career
Ashwin began his career as an opening batsman but switched to off-spin bowling under the guidance of his coaches. He made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in 2006, and gradually built a reputation as a dependable spinner and lower-order batsman. His consistent domestic performances earned him a spot in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad in the IPL.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Journey
Ashwin rose to prominence during his time with Chennai Super Kings, where his variations, including the carrom ball, baffled even the best batters. He played a key role in CSK’s title wins in 2010 and 2011.
IPL Teams:
Chennai Super Kings
Rising Pune Supergiant
Kings XI Punjab (Captain in 2018–2019)
Delhi Capitals
Rajasthan Royals (current as of 2025)
Key IPL Stats (as of 2025):
Matches: 200+
Wickets: 170+
Economy: Under 7 RPO
Best Bowling: 4/34
International Career
Test Cricket
Ashwin made his Test debut against West Indies in November 2011, immediately making an impact with a 9-wicket haul and a century in just his third match. Over the years, Ashwin became the spearhead of India’s spin attack, especially in home conditions.
Milestones:
Fastest Indian to 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 Test wickets
Joint-fastest to 300 Test wickets (54 matches)
Over 500 Test wickets (as of 2025)
5 Test centuries — showcasing his all-round value
Holds the record for most Player of the Series awards for India in Tests
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Ashwin made his ODI debut in 2010 against Sri Lanka and was part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad. While his ODI appearances reduced in the latter part of his career due to wrist spinners emerging, he remained a handy option.
ODI Stats (approx.):
Matches: 120+
Wickets: 150+
Best: 4/25
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
Ashwin also featured regularly in India’s T20 setup and was part of multiple World T20 squads. His economical spells and intelligent variations have made him a dependable T20 bowler.
Bowling Style and Strengths
Ashwin is known for:
Variety: Classical off-spin, carrom ball, arm ball
Control and intelligence: Reads the batter’s intent quickly
Adaptability: Proven performer in both home and overseas conditions
Tactical mindset: Often sets up batters with layered strategies
Notable Achievements
ICC Cricketer of the Year – 2016
Fastest Indian to 400 Test wickets
5 centuries and over 500 wickets in Test cricket — only the second Indian after Kapil Dev to achieve this double
Most wickets by an Indian against Australia in Tests
Player of the Series in multiple Test series wins (including against England and Australia)
Off the Field
Ashwin is articulate and analytical, often appearing as a guest commentator or analyst. He also hosts his own YouTube channel where he shares cricket insights and interviews with players. He is married to Prithi Narayanan, and they have two daughters.
