Ravichandran Ashwin vs Anil Kumble: Who Is India’s Greatest Spinner?

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Ravichandran Ashwin shocked the world by announcing his retirement from all formats of international cricket, effective immediately, following the conclusion of the third Test against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday, December 18.

The 38-year-old bows out of the game while holding the fifth position in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers and ranking third among all-rounders.

There is not a single doubt that he will be remembered as of the greatest Indian spinners of all-time and was constantly compared with the great Anil Kumble during his playing days. Now, as he has called it a day, the question might arise, who was the better bowler or player at the peak of their powers?

Both players have left an indelible mark on international cricket. Their exceptional skills have been pivotal in numerous Indian victories across all formats of the game.

Here's a look at the breakdown of their career stats.

Test Cricket

Anil Kumble : In a distinguished career spanning from 1990 to 2008, Kumble played 132 Test matches, capturing 619 wickets at an average of 29.65. He achieved 35 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket match hauls, with his best bowling figures being 10/74 against Pakistan in 1999-a rare feat of taking all ten wickets in a single innings. Anil ranks 4th in the all-time leading wicket-taker list in Tests.

Ravichandran Ashwin : Ashwin featured in 106 Test matches, securing 537 wickets at an impressive average of 24.00. He recorded 37 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket match hauls, with his best innings figures being 7/59. Notably, Ashwin became the second-fastest bowler to reach 500 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in 98 matches. Ravi Ashwin on the other hand occupy the 7th position in the leading wicket-takers list.

ODI Cricket

Anil Kumble: He featured in 271 ODIs, claiming 337 wickets at an average of 30.89, including two five-wicket hauls, with best figures of 6/12.

Ravichandran Ashwin: In 116 ODIs, Ashwin took 151 wickets at an average of 32.91, achieving one five-wicket haul, with best figures of 4/25.

Batting Prowess

Anil Kumble: Kumble was a capable lower-order batsman, amassing over 2,500 runs in Tests, including a memorable century against England at The Oval in 2007.

Ravichandran Ashwin: Ashwin has been a dependable all-rounder, scoring over 3,000 Test runs, including six centuries, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly with the bat.

Impact

Anil Kumble: His relentless accuracy and determination made him a match-winner in diverse conditions. His leadership qualities were evident during his tenure as India's Test captain, and his 10-wicket haul against Pakistan remains one of cricket's most iconic performances.

Ravichandran Ashwin: Ravi Ashwin's versatility and tactical acumen have been instrumental in India's success, especially on home soil. His ability to adapt and innovate has kept him effective across all formats, and his all-round capabilities have provided India with valuable depth.

Verdict

It is very hard to determine, who was the better bowler as both pulled off many memorable spells equally. When it comes to batting, Ashwin had more credibility for sure. If we look at things properly, Kumble's era was marked by his resilience and match-winning spells, while Ashwin's period has been characterized by adaptability and all-round contributions. Both have been monumental figures in Indian cricket, and their legacies will inspire future generations of cricketers.