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When rumors started pouring in about a "very big announcement" after the fifth day of the Brisbane Test, I had a sinking feeling. Someone was retiring, but never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be Ashwin. He’s the one who always plans ahead. Surely, he had his bowling strategies ready for Sydney and Melbourne! But life throws its googlies, and this one took a while to digest.
Ashwin was more than just a cricketer. He was a scientist, a maverick, a think tank, and the rulebook embodied. On the field, he played by the rules and ensured others did too. Off the field, he was the most genuine and articulate personality you'd meet. I had the privilege of working alongside Ashwin, and let me tell you, what you saw on the field was only a fraction of his brilliance.
From a medium pacer who opened the innings in local cricket, Ashwin transformed into the wizard of carrom balls and India’s biggest match-winner in Tests. He wasn’t just a bowler; he was a chess master, setting traps and forcing batters into errors they didn’t see coming.
It wasn’t just the wickets he took but the manner in which he took them that defined his greatness. Every dismissal was a story, every spell a masterclass.
Ashwin’s stats tell the tale of a cricketer who excelled across all formats, becoming one of the most versatile and impactful players of his generation:
He ends his career as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, behind only Anil Kumble’s 619. Globally, he sits seventh on the all-time wicket-takers list. His strike rate of 50.73 is the best among bowlers with over 500 wickets, and his 37 five-wicket hauls are a testament to his unmatched impact. With 11 Player of the Series awards, he stands shoulder to shoulder with legends like Muttiah Muralitharan.
Ashwin wasn’t just a bowler. He was an allrounder in every sense, scoring six centuries and 14 fifties in Tests. Four times, he achieved the incredible feat of scoring a century and taking a five-wicket haul in the same match—a feat only surpassed by Ian Botham.
Ashwin wasn’t just about numbers; he was the embodiment of innovation on the cricket field. From unconventional field placements to his ever-evolving bowling actions, Ashwin was always ahead of the curve. Who can forget the pause before his delivery, the mystery of the carrom ball, or his audacious move to bat up the order, even opening for his team and leading them to victory in the TNPL final? Ashwin was a cricketer who constantly redefined possibilities.
The Sydney Test of 2021 remains a testament to his grit and determination. Battling a sore back, Ashwin stood tall alongside Hanuma Vihari, who was playing with a torn hamstring. Sharing a chest guard, the duo braved 128 balls to secure an unforgettable draw against Australia, showcasing resilience and teamwork that became folklore in Indian cricket.
Then there’s the legendary leave in the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. With two runs needed off the final ball, Ashwin calmly stepped aside to let a wide delivery go, setting up the win on the very next ball. It was a moment of unparalleled presence of mind, the kind only Ashwin could pull off under such pressure.
And who could forget the Champions Trophy 2013 Final? In a rain-soaked thriller, MS Dhoni turned to Ashwin for the crucial final overs. With ice in his veins and sharp accuracy, Ashwin kept England at bay, sealing the title for India. It was yet another reminder of his ability to shine when the stakes were highest.
How often do you see a legend playing gully cricket with youngsters right after a five-day Test match? That’s Ashwin for you. He wasn’t just a player; he was a mentor, captain, and visionary. Even in the last IPL, we saw him guiding and sharing his thoughts with his captain, Sanju Samson. This has been a common sight whenever he plays, regardless of who wears the armband.
From the infamous "Mankading"—a move that sparked debates but upheld the spirit of the rules—to standing tall for bowlers' dignity, Ashwin always played by the book. Off the field, his involvement in discussions around TNPL auctions and his contributions to cricketing strategies showed his dedication to the sport's evolution.
For Ashwin, cricket was never just about numbers. It was about shaping the game, inspiring others, and leaving it better than he found it.
Ashwin’s sharp analytical mind and insistence on logic made him the ideal candidate for captaincy. But perhaps that very clarity made some think he was "difficult." Despite not being handed the leadership role, he shaped the team’s strategies in ways few noticed.
In a way, Ashwin was always a silent captain, leading by example and thought. He didn’t need the armband to inspire.
As someone who had the chance to work alongside Ashwin, I can say he was as much a student of the game as he was its teacher. He was meticulous, driven, and always open to discussions.
Ashwin, you’ve given us memories that will last a lifetime. You’ve set standards that future generations will aspire to meet. While we may feel incomplete without seeing you bowl one last time, your contributions have completed Indian cricket in ways words can’t express.
Thank you, Ash. For everything.
