Lara Zijl 
New Delhi, Bharat : Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri recently shared insights on what made the recently retired all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin a remarkable player, highlighting Ashwin’s constant desire to evolve and master new techniques, which contributed to his greatness.
Ashwin ended his illustrious career following the Gabba Test, leaving behind a legacy as one of India’s greatest match-winners. Shastri, having witnessed many of Ashwin’s match-winning performances during his tenure as India head coach, discussed Ashwin’s unique qualities in an interview with Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review.
“What stands out for me was his desire to evolve continuously,” Shastri remarked, as quoted by ICC. “He was never content with where he started.”
Known for his commitment to developing his skills, Ashwin frequently worked on new deliveries and techniques, even during the later stages of his career. Shastri emphasized, “He pursued new tricks, practiced hard, and kept looking for innovations as his career progressed.”
Ashwin’s impressive record speaks volumes. He is the second-most successful Indian bowler in international cricket with 765 wickets (537 in Tests), trailing only behind Anil Kumble’s 953 wickets. “His legacy as a terrific match-winner is cemented by his record of 537 wickets in Test cricket alone,” Shastri noted.
Shastri highlighted Ashwin’s improved performance in recent years, citing his 175 Test wickets at an average of 21.18 in the past decade, better than his career average of 24. He also praised the spin partnership between Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, which proved highly effective. “They complemented each other well, spurring each other on,” Shastri said, noting how their averages improved when playing together.
Shastri concluded by praising Ashwin’s versatility and consistency against both left and right-handed batters. “His guile and ability to excel in his craft, especially in the last few years, made him stand out,” he said. “It didn’t matter who he was bowling against; he was always up for the challenge.”
Ashwin’s Test career, with 537 wickets at an average of 24.00, includes 37 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket matches. He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker across all formats, with notable achievements in ODIs and T20Is. He also contributed significantly as a batsman, with over 3,500 runs in Tests, including six centuries.
Ashwin’s illustrious career features victories in the 2011 50-Over World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, further solidifying his legacy as one of India’s greatest cricketers.
