Ashwin - A cricketer who knew too much about cricket retires

By K.R. Nayar

Ravichandran Ashwin, who could be considered more knowledgeable on cricket than most international cricketers, has announced his retirement from Test cricket. His ability to grasp the various nuances of the game was unparalleled, allowing him to experiment extensively with his art of spin bowling. The result? A staggering tally of 537 Test wickets—part of a total of 765 wickets across all formats of the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin with yours sincerely 

Ironically, at times, being more knowledgeable than others can work against you. I always believed Ashwin should have been given the opportunity to captain Team India,  as his intelligence would have made him exceptional.

Ashwin always enjoyed imparting his knowledge to youngsters 

Before any interview, Ashwin often had one request: “Please don’t ask about my selection.” Although I always respected that, I often wondered if there was ever a cricketer, who despite having such an enormous tally of wickets, had to sit out and not be a part of the playing eleven. Every interaction with Ashwin was special. He thoughtfully answered my queries, revealing how brilliant a thinker he was about the game.

Ashwin at the Shyam Bhatia Cricket Museum 

In 2016, when Ashwin visited the Shyam Bhatia Cricket Museum, I was fortunate to have had a long interview with him. That day, I candidly asked him about his intelligence. His reply was fascinating: “Albert Einstein once said that people use only one percent of their brain. As a cricketer, if you look around at examples, if you can just be that one percent smarter than others, you will do well for yourself. After a point, you have to play cricket with your head.”

Ashwin flanked by Presley Polonowitta (left) and Ramesh Ramakrishnan. Photo by late Saleem Sanghati

Ashwin shares a close bond with Dubai-based Leap Sports’s Ramesh Ramakrishnan, who often invited him in for management talks and events. One such occasion included a tie-up between Ashwin’s cricket academy and Presley Polonowitta’s Desert Cubs. During this event, Ashwin explained why bowlers must always strive to learn more: “Spinners should have mastery over all types of deliveries. No matter how much you can improvise or innovate, you should do it. However, whenever you innovate, it is important to master it before delivering it.” What followed was even more impressive: “You should also have the courage to execute it, even if many people dislike or criticize it.”

Ashwin talks about how he enjoyed the game

Ashwin never let criticism affect him. “When there is constructive or positive criticism, I make sure to read it. Many people have even directly called or messaged me with their opinions, and that’s a healthy thing. But otherwise, whatever happens on TV or for viewership, I take it with a pinch of salt.” Ashwin has often been criticised for being a bowler effective only on Indian wickets though he was the fastest Indian to claim 500 Test wickets in 98 matches.  Only Muttiah Muralitharan (87 Tests) has reached the milestone in fewer games. Ashwin was the fastest Indian to reach milestones of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 wickets in Test cricket. It is unfortunate that Ashwin, who is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, retires with no farewell Test match.

People also forget that he was the fastest Indian bowler to reach 450 wickets, and the second fastest to this achieve this mark globally after Muttiah Muralitharan. He has clean bowled 109 batters which is the highest by an Indian bowler and fourth highest in world Test cricket history.

Attending Ashwin’s press conferences was always a delight. His thoughtful comments made it easy for journalists to write compelling stories. Some of his lines were so remarkable that I often used them as headlines. One such memorable comment was: “I used to admire others; it’s time I admired myself.”

Ashwin's candid remark

Ashwin played cricket for the sheer joy of it. Even while being an active player, he established his cricket academy—improving not just others, but himself as well. He once summarized his approach to the game beautifully: “I don’t just play the game; I study it.”  For Ashwin, cricket was an art. He famously said: “The pitch is my canvas; the ball, my brush.” He often emphasized the importance of understanding the game: “Mastery comes from understanding, not just playing.”

Ashwin's well thought out comments were a delight  

In 2017, former Australian captain Steve Waugh gave Ashwin the ultimate compliment, comparing him to the legendary Don Bradman: “Ashwin is the Bradman of bowling. He is doing what Don Bradman did with batting.”