Following his retirement from international cricket last year, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has lost one of its most astute minds and fiercest competitors. Ravichandran Ashwin, the off-spin maestro, has announced he is stepping away from the tournament, closing a storied chapter in his career. His departure marks a significant moment, as he leaves behind a legacy built on tactical genius and a relentless desire to innovate, a fitting conclusion for a player who always thought a step ahead of the game.
A legacy of skill and intelligence in the world’s toughest league
Ashwin’s career in the IPL wasn’t just about his bowling; it was a testament to his all-round cricketing intelligence. He was an integral part of two championship-winning teams with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and brought a new dimension to his game with the bat, even registering a memorable half-century for Rajasthan Royals (RR). He also took on the captaincy of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), demonstrating his leadership credentials. With a remarkable record of 187 wickets from 220 matches and 833 runs, he leaves the league as one of its most influential and respected players.
Here are top 5 spells of Ravichandran Ashwin in IPL:
1) 3/16 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: IPL Final 2011
In the high-stakes IPL final, Ashwin delivered a spell that the championship for the CSK consecutive time. Opening the bowling, he immediately dismissed the tournament’s leading run-scorer, Chris Gayle, for a duck. His brilliant figures of 3/16 completely dismantled RCB’s chase, proving decisive in Chennai’s dominant 58-run victory and their second consecutive title.
2) 4/34 vs Kings XI Punjab: 2016
In his one of the best-ever IPL bowling performance for Rising Pune Supergiants, Ashwin showcased his ability to break the back of a batting lineup. He troubled the Punjab middle order, using his subtle variations to great effect. His spell of 4/34 was a game-changing effort that derailed the opposition’s innings and guided his team to a comfortable victory.
3) 2/19 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: 2024
In a high-pressure knockout match for Rajasthan, Ashwin delivered a performance that highlighted his big-game temperament. He was unplayable, tying down the batsmen and giving away only 19 runs while taking two vital wickets. His economical and clinical spell was a major factor in the Royals’ victory and their advance to the next stage.
4) 3/23 vs Chennai Super Kings: 2019
Leading Punjab, Ashwin had a point to prove against his old side. He bowled with a mix of guile and aggression, outfoxing the CSK batters and grabbing three wickets for just 23 runs. This spell was a tactical marvel, as he perfectly exploited the weaknesses of a team he knew so well.
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5) 2/5 vs Kolkata Knight Riders: 2015
In a brilliant display of bowling, Ashwin delivered a brilliant for CSK. Facing the Kolkata Knight Riders, he was a near-unmovable force, conceding just five runs in his two overs while also picking up two crucial wickets. This performance was the definition of pressure-building and was a major reason why CSK successfully defended a small total in a thrilling contest.
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