R. Ashwin has been called the “best example of self-belief” by former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel. Ashwin, who played 287 matches for India before retiring from all international cricket in December 2024, just hung his boots from the IPL as well.
Parthiv clarified Ashwin’s tendency towards experimentation and commended him for continuing to pick up new skills and adjust to new situations in spite of all the expertise that had been gained behind his back.
When it came to self-belief, Ravichandran was the greatest. He experimented a lot and attempted various things as his career developed. He made good use of the carrom ball. At the 2016 T20 World Cup, he bowled Hashim Amla with the carrom ball, and I can still remember it. In a video posted to his YouTube account, Parthiv said, “He was a model of making the most of one’s abilities.”
Given the variety of spins Ashwin used to bowl, Parthiv humorously acknowledged that he was shocked that Ashwin did not attempt left-arm spin.
“There is something to be learnt from Ravichandran Ashwin’s attempt to explore in various ways. I’m shocked that he didn’t bowl left-arm leg spin, considering how much time I’ve spent with him and how I’ve watched him bowl off spin, leg spin, carrom ball, and everything else. He continued, “I figured he might as well try that too, at some point.”
Recently, Ravichandran has been associated with the Big Bash League and The Hundred. Notably, the off-spinner stated that he will look at other franchise leagues in his retirement article.
Regarding his IPL stats, Ashwin participated in 221 games for five different teams, taking 187 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.20. In eight of his 16 IPL seasons, he played for the Chennai Super Kings. Ravichandran was a vital member of CSK’s team and played a significant role in their title victories.
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