In cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin is among the best spinners ever to have played. His retirement from international cricket was just confirmed, however he will still play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The veteran recently arrived in Bengaluru for the AWS AI Conclave 2025, having taken 765 international wickets in all three forms. He was asked to list the world’s best captain, his favorite spin-bowling partner, the hardest batter he has bowled to, and many other things during the event.
Let’s review Ashwin’s responses.
Toughest batter to bowl to?
Joe Root is a fine batter, I really rate him against spin. I think he had a problem against left-arm spin, but I think I found ways to dismiss him much later in his career. Got really smooth footwork and lovely hands.
Best captain in the world?
If it was about handling the side and getting the best from a player, it’s MS Dhoni. But, I think tactically most astute person reading the passage of the play is Steve Smith.
Best spin bowling partner you’ve had?
Ravindra Jadeja. He doesn’t think too much about dismissing batters, he keeps going about his business. He gave me the luxury to be able to be more creative.
Favorite wicket celebration?
I dismissed Glenn Maxwell in 2014 and blew him away. He smashed me black and blue. Not proud of it.
Favorite Test match?
2017 Against Australia in Bengaluru. And the one in Melbourne after we got out for 36.
Most challenging overseas conditions?
South Africa is quite hard place to bowl when they give you green mambas, but I find tough to answer that.
One batter you would’ve loved to bowl to in your prime?
Brian Lara. I saw him taking Muralitharan down in Sri Lanka when he made 1000 runs in three matches.
The most entertaining cricketer you’ve played against?
Marnus Labuschagne. The kind of energy he brings in, I like it.
After the third Test match between Australia and India in the Border-Gavaskar series, Ashwin declared his retirement. With 537 wickets in 106 Test matches, the veteran finished as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, after only Anil Kumble (619 wickets).
After a fierce bidding battle with the Rajasthan Royals, CSK acquired the 38-year-old Ashwin for an incredible INR 9.75 crore. From 2009 to 2015, he was a member of the Men in Yellow. In his second stint with the Chennai-based team, Ashwin will try to create an impression and lead them to an unprecedented sixth IPL championship.
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