Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s master off-spinner, has carved a niche in cricket history not just for his wickets but for the way he has consistently troubled some of the world’s best batsmen. On December 18, 2024, during the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an era where his guile, variations, and cricketing intelligence set benchmarks in spin bowling. Here, we celebrate his legacy by looking at the nine batsmen he has dismissed the most in Test cricket.
1. Ben Stokes – 17 Times
Ben StokesEngland’s all-rounder known for his aggressive batting, has been Ashwin’s most frequent victim. The battles between these two have been epic, with Ravichandran Ashwin often getting the better of Stokes with his flight, turn, and variations. From the first time Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Stokes in 2012, their duels have been a highlight of India-England Tests. Stokes’ aggressive approach against spin has sometimes played into Ravichandran Ashwin’s hands, leading to his downfall.
2. Lahiru Thirimanne – 15 Times
The Sri Lankan batsman, Lahiru Thirimanne, has faced the wrath of Ashwin’s spin on numerous occasions. Ashwin’s ability to extract bounce and turn from the pitch has proven too much for Thirimanne, whose technique against spin was often tested to the limit. Their encounters have been a testament to Ashwin’s dominance over left-handers, with Thirimanne’s record against him highlighting the spinner’s tactical acumen.
3. David Warner – 14 Times
David Warner, the Australian opener, has had one of the most intriguing battles with Ravichandran Ashwin. Warner’s aggressive style has led to several spectacular dismissals, with Ravichandran Ashwin often outthinking him with his carrom ball and drift. Their confrontations have been crucial in series between India and Australia, where Ravichandran Ashwin’s dismissals of Warner have often shifted the momentum in India’s favor.
4. Alastair Cook – 11 Times
Alastair Cook, the former England captain, holds the distinction of facing Ravichandran Ashwin in numerous Tests. Ashwin’s variety and patience paid dividends against Cook, who was known for his resilience and defensive technique. Ashwin managed to find ways through Cook’s defense, often with deliveries that either spun sharply or kept low, showcasing his adaptability to different conditions.
5. Darren Bravo – 10 Times
Darren Bravo of the West Indies has been dismissed by Ravichandran Ashwin ten times in Test cricket. Their encounters illustrate Ashwin’s control over the ball, especially against left-handers. Bravo’s elegant left-handed batting was often disrupted by Ashwin’s tactical bowling, whether it was through changes in pace or length, making this matchup one of skill versus skill.
6. Tom Latham – 9 Times
New Zealand’s Tom Latham has faced Ashwin’s bowling nine times, each dismissal showcasing the spinner’s ability to read the batsman. Latham’s patient approach at the crease was often undone by Ashwin’s subtle variations, proving that even the most disciplined batsmen can struggle against a spinner of Ashwin’s caliber.
7. Joe Root – 9 Times
Joe Root, England’s batting mainstay and captain, has also been dismissed by Ravichandran Ashwin nine times. Root’s battle with Ravichandran Ashwin has been one of the more fascinating modern duels in cricket, with Ravichandran Ashwin often getting Root either through sheer brilliance or by exploiting moments of lapse in concentration, highlighting the mental chess match that defines Test cricket.
8. Kraigg Brathwaite – 8 Times
Kraigg Brathwaite of the West Indies, known for his defensive solidity, faced Ashwin eight times. Despite Brathwaite’s reputation as a tough nut to crack, Ashwin’s relentless accuracy and ability to bowl long spells eventually paid off, showcasing his persistence and skill in breaking through even the most stubborn defenses.
9. Steve Smith – 8 Times
Lastly, Steve Smith, often regarded as one of the best Test batsmen of his generation, has been dismissed by Ashwin eight times. The battles between these two have been nothing short of cricketing art. Smith’s unorthodox techniques have been tested by Ashwin’s innovative spin bowling, with their encounters often dictating the course of matches, especially in the high-stakes India-Australia series.
Ashwin’s Legacy and Retirement –
Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire from international cricket after the Brisbane Test marks the end of an era where innovation in spin bowling was redefined. His record against these nine batsmen is not just about numbers but about the stories and battles that have captivated cricket fans worldwide. Ashwin’s career was marked by his ability to evolve, adapt, and outthink batsmen, making him one of the finest cricketers India has ever produced.
His retirement speech was poignant, reflecting on his journey from a young off-spinner to becoming a cricketing legend, with a special mention of these batsmen who, through their dismissals, contributed to his legacy. Ashwin’s influence on the game extends beyond statistics; it’s in the way he has inspired a generation of spinners to think outside the box, to learn, and to never stop evolving.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s journey in international cricket will be remembered for his contributions to Indian victories, his individual brilliance, and his battles against some of the best in the business. As he steps away from the international arena, cricket loses a thinker, a strategist, and a bowler who made the art of off-spin bowling a spectacle to watch. His record against these nine batsmen will forever be a testament to his skill, proving that in cricket, it’s not just about talent but about outwitting the opponent. Ashwin’s legacy is secure, not just in the wickets he’s taken but in the minds of those who watched and played against him, forever altering how spin bowling is perceived and executed.
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