R Ashwin Retirement: Recalling His 5 Best Test Knocks That Established His Batting Credentials

R Ashwin Retirement: Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest cricketing minds, announced his retirement from international cricket today, December 18, 2024. Known as a wizard with the ball, Ashwin also carved out a niche with the bat, delivering match-defining performances that bailed India out of trouble on numerous occasions.

As he bids farewell, let’s revisit five memorable Test innings that highlighted his prowess as a batsman.

1. 103 vs West Indies, Mumbai (2011)

Ashwin's maiden Test century came during his debut series against the West Indies at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. India, facing a mammoth first-innings score of 590, needed a solid reply. Ashwin, batting at number eight, displayed remarkable composure to score 103 off just 118 balls, featuring 15 boundaries. His knock ensured India posted a respectable 482 in reply. Ashwin further contributed with the ball, taking four wickets in the match, and was rightly adjudged Player of the Match.

2. 113 vs West Indies, North Sound (2016)

The first Test of the 2016 series against the West Indies saw Ashwin produce one of his finest all-round performances. Walking in with India at 322-6, Ashwin built a masterful 113 off 253 balls. His knock, studded with 12 boundaries, complemented Virat Kohli’s double century to help India post 566/8 declared. Ashwin’s dominance extended to the ball, where he claimed seven wickets, ensuring an innings victory for India. His all-round brilliance earned him another Player of the Match award.

3. 106 vs England, Chennai (2021)

Ashwin’s century against England in the second Test of the 2021 series stands as one of his most cherished moments. On a challenging Chennai pitch, India’s batsmen struggled to pile on runs. Ashwin stepped up with a sublime 106 off 148 balls, featuring 14 fours and a six, lifting India to a commanding lead. He followed his batting heroics with three wickets in England’s second innings, helping India secure a resounding 317-run win.

4. 118 vs West Indies, Gros Islet (2016)

Another gem from Ashwin came during the third Test of the 2016 series against the West Indies. With India reeling at 126-5, Ashwin forged a vital partnership with Wriddhiman Saha, scoring a magnificent 118. His innings, characterized by patience and precise shot selection, helped India recover to post 353. India eventually won the game by 237 runs, with Ashwin playing a crucial role both with the bat and ball.

5. 124 vs West Indies, Kolkata (2013)

Ashwin’s highest Test score of 124 came in the first Test of the 2013 series against the West Indies at Eden Gardens. With India in a precarious position early on, Ashwin, alongside debutant Rohit Sharma, steered the innings with a 280-run partnership. Ashwin’s knock, laced with 11 boundaries, highlighted his ability to adapt under pressure. India eventually secured an innings victory, with Ashwin contributing significantly to both departments.

A Legacy Beyond the Numbers

Ashwin’s batting contributions often flew under the radar, overshadowed by his excellence with the ball. However, these performances underline his adaptability and cricketing intelligence, making him a true all-rounder. As the curtains draw on a phenomenal career, Ashwin leaves behind an indelible legacy — a cricketer who could wield the ball like a scalpel and wield the bat like a seasoned craftsman. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his performances will continue to inspire generations to come.

Farewell to a Genius

Thank you, Ravichandran Ashwin, for the countless memories, match-winning moments, and lessons in resilience. Indian cricket salutes a legend who epitomized excellence across formats.