The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday posted a heartwarming tribute video for recently retired spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who reflected on a very big promise he made to himself early in his career when Indian team registered a series loss against England at home.
Ashwin, who announced his retirement at the end of the Brisbane Test against Australia on Wednesday, was a crucial architect of India's home domination that lasted for over 12 years and kickstarted after India's loss to England in a Test series in 2012.
Ashwin, then a youngster, was dejected by this series loss and most importantly, a setback at familiar home conditions. In the BCCI video, Ashwin reminisced how he promised himself that he would make sure India would not lose a series once again at home.
"I made myself a promise in 2012, we lost a tricky series against England. I was very early in my career and I was just telling myself we are not gonna lose another one. Ever. And that is what I promised myself," said Ashwin.
Ashwin stayed true to the promise he made to himself. From India’s 2013 home series against Australia to the home series against Bangladesh earlier this year, he emerged as a dominant force, leading the bowling charts during India’s unbeaten streak at home. Over this period, he claimed 329 wickets at an impressive average of 20.62, with best figures of 7/59.
During this remarkable run, Ashwin registered 24 five-wicket hauls and five instances of taking ten wickets in a match. His contributions with the bat were equally valuable, scoring 1,556 runs across 56 matches and 70 innings at an average of 22.88. He recorded three centuries, six fifties, and a highest score of 124. With his all-round performances, Ashwin became a cornerstone of India’s unparalleled dominance at home, which ended this year with a 0-3 defeat to New Zealand.
"But in 2011, had someone told me I would getting so many wickets and retiring in 2024, December, I would not have believed them. This is a game I love but I did not expect I would be getting so much love and wickets and so many runs as well. I am glad, to have a sense of gratitude to all who supported me and challenged me. Thank you," he concluded.
Ashwin has played 106 Test matches for India and he picked up 537 wickets at an average of 24.00, with best figures of 7/59. He took 37 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-fers in his Test career. He ended his career as India's second-highest wicket-taker behind legendary spinner Anil Kumble (619 scalps). He also has 2nd most five-wicket hauls in Tests, behind Sri Lankan spin icon Muttiah Muralitharan (67).
