[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket [Update@ Post# 1376]

[Smbhayi]

Would like to see somebody ask Ashwin on his twitter & YT channel is something going on BTW him and Kohli...

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Too much being made of his omission in this series. Wont change our fortunes one bit.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Too much being made of his omission in this series. Wont change our fortunes one bit.

Umesh has already justified his selection.
Same goes for Thakur
Siraj and Bumrah's place were never in doubt
If Kohli wins this match then all these controversy theories will be put in their rightful place

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Umesh has already justified his selection.
Same goes for Thakur
Siraj and Bumrah's place were never in doubt
If Kohli wins this match then all these controversy theories will be put in their rightful place

Nah it wont.

The fact that India is still in the series after making so many errors with selection and application shows how poor England has been.

Have you forgotten Bhuvi drop for test 2 in SA?

Or Rahane drop during that series (when he wasnt this hopeless)?

Guess who we played at that time?

Dhawan.

Lost 1-2 against super weak Saffers.

This is like struggling to clear an easy exam.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Umesh has already justified his selection.
Same goes for Thakur
Siraj and Bumrah's place were never in doubt
If Kohli wins this match then all these controversy theories will be put in their rightful place

Agreed. I dont see any conspiracy in dropping Ashwin. These are seamer friendly wickets ad theres only place for the lone spinner if at all.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Nah it wont.

The fact that India is still in the series after making so many errors with selection and application shows how poor England has been.

Have you forgotten Bhuvi drop for test 2 in SA?

Or Rahane drop during that series (when he wasnt this hopeless)?

Guess who we played at that time?

Dhawan.

Lost 1-2 against super weak Saffers.

This is like struggling to clear an easy exam.

Sorry but I don't see any scenario uptil now in this test series where presence of Ashwin could have changed anything. The pitches haven't been conducive to spin bowling , both Moeen(our biggest nemesis acc to you) and Jaddu looked worse than parttimers.

As for the Bhuvi drop in second SA test, I will never ever admit that it was a mistake , Ishant replaced Bhuvi and performed brilliantly. Actually Bhuvi's style of bowling wouldn’t have helped there as that pitch had variable bounce but it did'nt provide any lateral movement off the pitch or in the air.

Rahane should have been picked from first test but that's the lone selection mistake on that tour.

If you think that this is a weak English side then I am definitely not on the same page as you, who are they actually missing? Just Ben Stokes.
Their bowling actually is pretty strong, Robinson is definitely an upgrade over broad at this age, and Woakes obviously is a massive HTB. Root is in the form of his life.
It would be a massive achievement to win a series here and as I have always explained all great victories happened while some player was missing(ashes 05, aus in ind 2004, pak in wi 1987).

 

[pillionrider]

both Moeen(our biggest nemesis acc to you) and Jaddu looked worse than parttimers.

Jadeja has looked like he has always done outside India. But the other stuff about Moeen is blatantly untrue. He's come in and taken critical wickets through the series.

Surely even you don't think he's a better bowler than Ashwin who looked the best bowler just a month or so back in the WTC final.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Sorry but I don't see any scenario uptil now in this test series where presence of Ashwin could have changed anything. The pitches haven't been conducive to spin bowling , both Moeen(our biggest nemesis acc to you) and Jaddu looked worse than parttimers.

As for the Bhuvi drop in second SA test, I will never ever admit that it was a mistake , Ishant replaced Bhuvi and performed brilliantly. Actually Bhuvi's style of bowling wouldn’t have helped there as that pitch had variable bounce but it did'nt provide any lateral movement off the pitch or in the air.

Rahane should have been picked from first test but that's the lone selection mistake on that tour.

If you think that this is a weak English side then I am definitely not on the same page as you, who are they actually missing? Just Ben Stokes.
Their bowling actually is pretty strong, Robinson is definitely an upgrade over broad at this age, and Woakes obviously is a massive HTB. Root is in the form of his life.
It would be a massive achievement to win a series here and as I have always explained all great victories happened while some player was missing(ashes 05, aus in ind 2004, pak in wi 1987).

1. If you think Bhuvi drop wasn't a mistake in test 2, theres no way you will think Ashwin could have made any difference here.

2. Bhuvi was amazing in test 1, dropped in test 2 and then came back in test 3 to win us the game.

3. As for Ashwin, its all convenient conjecture but theres this pesky little fact that he played a pivotal role in Aus 2020 series and was pretty much our best bowler in WTC finals. Heck, he had NZ in the pump in the 2nd innings only to be taken off the attack anf never bowled again. A few more runs and it would have been a totally different ball game.

4. Englands batting is weak as hell. The very fact that Indians think we have a way to come back into the game cos Umesh castled Root speaks volumes of English lineup. Remove Root and we would have been atleast 2-1 in this series.

4. England didnt hav Stokes, Woakes in the first 2 tests. So we escaped with some awful batting.

 

[Ab Fan]

Jadeja has been the biggest disappointment in this series for India. All this talk of 50 average in last 5 years and he has barely done anything with bat or bowl in this series except one fifty. Ofcourse, send him to bat at no.9, he will stay not out and inflate his average to 60-70 and start competing with Steve Smith.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Jadeja has looked like he has always done outside India. But the other stuff about Moeen is blatantly untrue. He's come in and taken critical wickets through the series.

Surely even you don't think he's a better bowler than Ashwin who looked the best bowler just a month or so back in the WTC final.

I Don't agree with your point regarding Moeen , he has'nt done anything of note.
His figures read 187 -4 and even if we ignore them , I don't see how his wickets had any significance (e3 of them came in the match we won, one of them being Shami)

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Forget about all the arguments.

It comes down to one thing:

Accountability.

You dont drop a bowler who has proven himself in these conditions under lame arguments and keep sticking to your plan regardless of the result.

That shows Kohli can do whatever he wants which is the core issue.

Defend him all you want.

But lets come back to this thread say a year or two down the road and see the true impact of this dictatorial approach.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

1. If you think Bhuvi drop wasn't a mistake in test 2, theres no way you will think Ashwin could have made any difference here.

2. Bhuvi was amazing in test 1, dropped in test 2 and then came back in test 3 to win us the game.

3. As for Ashwin, its all convenient conjecture but theres this pesky little fact that he played a pivotal role in Aus 2020 series and was pretty much our best bowler in WTC finals. Heck, he had NZ in the pump in the 2nd innings only to be taken off the attack anf never bowled again. A few more runs and it would have been a totally different ball game.

4. Englands batting is weak as hell. The very fact that Indians think we have a way to come back into the game cos Umesh castled Root speaks volumes of English lineup. Remove Root and we would have been atleast 2-1 in this series.

4. England didnt hav Stokes, Woakes in the first 2 tests. So we escaped with some awful batting.

Don't you believe in horses for courses? There's a definite reason why Bhuvi was'nt picked in second test and that’s bcoz he is a conditions dependent bowler and those particular conditions were'nt in his favour.
Also please take a look at his replacement's performance in that match(Ishant).

England's batting was weaker in 2018 where they had an out of form root who Kohli outscored by 200+ runs , an aging Cook and Keaton Jennings, not sure what has changed(except root's terrific form) Stokes is definitely a factor but that's one player and he is'nt a Smith or Warner level batsman who carries the whole lineup.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Forget about all the arguments.

It comes down to one thing:

Accountability.

You dont drop a bowler who has proven himself in these conditions under lame arguments and keep sticking to your plan regardless of the result.

That shows Kohli can do whatever he wants which is the core issue.

Defend him all you want.

But lets come back to this thread say a year or two down the road and see the true impact of this dictatorial approach.

I was looking forward to Ashwin's performance in this series too, we wanted that ATG tag on him very badly (I think that's also pretty much the reason behind all your posts, to atleast give him a chance) but I can't really say that his non selection has been bcoz of any template or personal grudge, I can pretty much see the reasons .
I would have played him to see how he does but can't raise a question about his non selection coz it's pretty much self explanatory

 

[Saurav]

Jadeja has been the biggest disappointment in this series for India. All this talk of 50 average in last 5 years and he has barely done anything with bat or bowl in this series except one fifty. Ofcourse, send him to bat at no.9, he will stay not out and inflate his average to 60-70 and start competing with Steve Smith.

hes scored 50,40,30 in this series and got out swinging because of tail.Didnt stay not out as you claim.He might have failed here but so did Pant.deserved his place till now.We can drop him for a batsman now.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Don't you believe in horses for courses? There's a definite reason why Bhuvi was'nt picked in second test and that’s bcoz he is a conditions dependent bowler and those particular conditions were'nt in his favour.
Also please take a look at his replacement's performance in that match(Ishant).

England's batting was weaker in 2018 where they had an out of form root who Kohli outscored by 200+ runs , an aging Cook and Keaton Jennings, not sure what has changed(except root's terrific form) Stokes is definitely a factor but that's one player and he is'nt a Smith or Warner level batsman who carries the whole lineup.

1. Horses for courses when its done in the smart way. Bhuvis example is how its NOT supposed to be done.

So test 1 and 3 in SA, Bhuvi was good....but test 2 he wasnt?

By the same token, will you say dropping Pujara for Rohit in SL 2015 was right?

Or taking Saha over Pant in Aus 2020 right?

There are a billion examples of similar boo boos by Kohli that either blew up in his face or someone played out of their skin to save him.

2. England had depth in 2018. Atleast others could pitch in. Heck, they managed to outbat India in far more pace friendly conditions than this series.

That itself proves how much inferior this batting lineup is.

In this series, Root literally had to score 3 centuries for them to be 1-1.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

I was looking forward to Ashwin's performance in this series too, we wanted that ATG tag on him very badly (I think that's also pretty much the reason behind all your posts, to atleast give him a chance) but I can't really say that his non selection has been bcoz of any template or personal grudge, I can pretty much see the reasons .
I would have played him to see how he does but can't raise a question about his non selection coz it's pretty much self explanatory

Grudge is just a fan made theory.

Fact is his non selection for 4 tests in a row is baffling.

There is a reason why every foreign expert is baffled.

 

[Ab Fan]

Ashwin took a 6-fer for Surrey on this very ground only. Surely, he had to play going by that logic? The recent form is with him too and success on this venues as well.

Shardul hitting an important fifty or Umesh getting Root's wicket shouldn't change that. I am sure if they can rest Shami and play Umesh or Ishant earlier, then they can find a place for a player of Ashwin stature.

It has clearly been unfair on him to not even get one match in any of the first four matches in England. His SENA performances also over the last few years have been very good.

 

[Ab Fan]

hes scored 50,40,30 in this series and got out swinging because of tail.Didnt stay not out as you claim.He might have failed here but so did Pant.deserved his place till now.We can drop him for a batsman now.

It is not about Pant. But this is Jadeja playing at its peak of his career and ahead of Ashwin. Surely, he has to prove his worth a lot more. Can't be just happy with 30, 40 and 50. He needs to make it count and win us something overseas with his all-round performance. All-rounders are the biggest match winners in any team.

 

[Saurav]

It is not about Pant. But this is Jadeja playing at its peak of his career and ahead of Ashwin. Surely, he has to prove his worth a lot more. Can't be just happy with 30, 40 and 50. He needs to make it count and win us something overseas with his all-round performance. All-rounders are the biggest match winners in any team.

Jadeja isn't playing ahead of Ashwin. Hes no 7 while Ashwin is no. 8

Jadeja is playing ahead of Vihari and had done enough to do so.Can be dropped now

 

[Saurav]

Grudge is just a fan made theory.

Fact is his non selection for 4 tests in a row is baffling.

There is a reason why every foreign expert is baffled.

I have only seen Indian fans justifying it with 4 pacers logic.Everyone else is in favour of Ashwin

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

I have only seen Indian fans justifying it with 4 pacers logic.Everyone else is in favour of Ashwin

Talking about social media and not this forum.

Tho hard to not view this as somethung due to grudge.

Incredible scenes.

Kohli better win this game and series for all the comedies he is doing.

 

[Saurav]

Talking about social media and not this forum.

Tho hard to not view this as somethung due to grudge.

Incredible scenes.

Kohli better win this game and series for all the comedies he is doing.

I am talking about social media and experts too

Not seen one foreign one has said its okay to leave him.

only Indian fans are

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

I am talking about social media and experts too

Not seen one foreign one has said its okay to leave him.

only Indian fans are

Looks like you misinterpreted my post.

I said foreign experts are baffled by kohlis selection choices.

 

[Ab Fan]

Jadeja isn't playing ahead of Ashwin. Hes no 7 while Ashwin is no. 8

Jadeja is playing ahead of Vihari and had done enough to do so.Can be dropped now

It is a good excuse but it is not as clear as it sounds that he is playing as a batsman only and whatever bowling he does is a bonus.

He is playing because of the 4 fast bowlers + 1 spinner stubborn rule which means you want one of the pacers and one spinner to be able to bat at either of the two spots at 7 & 8. Furthermore, you also can't compromise with the batting at those position because half of our batsman are walking wickets vs lateral movement.

But they have to be flexible enough with that rule and find a way to get in Ashwin who also is at the peak of his career and has got success recently. It makes complete sense to play 7 batsman, 3 pacers and Ashwin as a sole spinner in these conditions when all our batsman combined could just produce one test hundred in seven innings of this series till now and their struggle have been quite apparent.

Jadeja's place as batting A/R was just on the hope that he would translate his home performance overseas too with bat. Vihari obviously never got to play at home, so he couldn't set any such hope or expectation in the eyes of the beholder.

 

[Saurav]

It is a good excuse but it is not as clear as it sounds that he is playing as a batsman only and whatever bowling he does is a bonus.

He is playing because of the 4 fast bowlers + 1 spinner stubborn rule which means you want one of the pacers and one spinner to be able to bat at either of the two spots at 7 & 8. Furthermore, you also can't compromise with the batting at those position because half of our batsman are walking wickets vs lateral movement.

But they have to be flexible enough with that rule and find a way to get in Ashwin who also is at the peak of his career and has got success recently. It makes complete sense to play 7 batsman, 3 pacers and Ashwin as a sole spinner in these conditions when all our batsman combined could just produce one test hundred in seven innings of this series till now and their struggle have been quite apparent.

Jadeja's place as batting A/R was just on the hope that he would translate his home performance overseas too with bat. Vihari obviously never got to play at home, so he couldn't set any such hope or expectation in the eyes of the beholder.

Jadeja batted better than Vihari overseas too,especially in Aus.

I don't agree with 4 pacers and Ashwin should be playing.The rule is 4 pacers or 3+1.5th bowler wont fit in those calculations

Ashwin isn't a no. 7 specially with our MO problems.

Vihari should have replaced Rahane today,still should.Some other bat can replace Jadeja

If they want spinner,the only decent option is Ashwin,but he'll have to come in for one of the 4 pacers.

 

[pillionrider]

I Don't agree with your point regarding Moeen , he has'nt done anything of note.
His figures read 187 -4 and even if we ignore them , I don't see how his wickets had any significance (e3 of them came in the match we won, one of them being Shami)

After a long partnership (Pujara-Rahane), he soon got rid of Rahane and Jadeja and the game was pretty much in England's pocket at that point. Then Shami-Bumrah happened.

 

[pillionrider]

Ganguly has been a massive letdown. Another self-serving careerist. Just like other Indian ex-cricketers and celebs he has proved to be spineless in more ways than one.

Watching him grovel before that clown Jay Shah makes me wanna puke.

I feel you

But this photo should have prepared everyone.

 

[Ab Fan]

Jadeja batted better than Vihari overseas too,especially in Aus.

I don't agree with 4 pacers and Ashwin should be playing.The rule is 4 pacers or 3+1.5th bowler wont fit in those calculations

Ashwin isn't a no. 7 specially with our MO problems.

Vihari should have replaced Rahane today,still should.Some other bat can replace Jadeja

If they want spinner,the only decent option is Ashwin,but he'll have to come in for one of the 4 pacers.

I feel the selectors should have included Vijay Shankar for this series. He could have been handy with his all-round game for England and New Zealand conditions and can bat at 6 also, especially after Sundar's injury. Even if he hadn't taken wickets, we could have an option of playing Ashwin at 8 and three best pacers. The fourth pacer and Jadeja (with either bat or bowl) hasn't really done great to deserve a merit over Ashwin.

 

[Ab Fan]

Jadeja batted better than Vihari overseas too,especially in Aus.

I don't agree with 4 pacers and Ashwin should be playing.The rule is 4 pacers or 3+1.5th bowler wont fit in those calculations

Ashwin isn't a no. 7 specially with our MO problems.

Vihari should have replaced Rahane today,still should.Some other bat can replace Jadeja

If they want spinner,the only decent option is Ashwin,but he'll have to come in for one of the 4 pacers.

Before my post just above, I must add that 5th bowler is certainly fitting in the calculation. Jadeja's role is not of a part timer here. He did bowled 31 overs at Headingley, so the fifth bowler option is clearly what they are looking to have. The only problem here is that they haven't selected a batsman with a seam bowling option in the squad because the expectation from 4th pacer is clearly not as same as the first three.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Umesh has already justified his selection.
Same goes for Thakur
Siraj and Bumrah's place were never in doubt
If Kohli wins this match then all these controversy theories will be put in their rightful place

Case closed.
Brilliant tactical changes by the captain both of them worked wonders.

 

[pillionrider]

Case closed.
Brilliant tactical changes by the captain both of them worked wonders.

I don’t know even anyone was arguing against them. The question is primarily Jadeja vs Ashwin.

 

[pillionrider]

Case closed.
Brilliant tactical changes by the captain both of them worked wonders.

And when he should pick Shardul, he doesn't pick him. Like during the WTC Final. Would have been the trophy-changer

 

[Saurav]

I feel the selectors should have included Vijay Shankar for this series. He could have been handy with his all-round game for England and New Zealand conditions and can bat at 6 also, especially after Sundar's injury. Even if he hadn't taken wickets, we could have an option of playing Ashwin at 8 and three best pacers. The fourth pacer and Jadeja (with either bat or bowl) hasn't really done great to deserve a merit over Ashwin.

totally agree.Shankar could have been selected ahead of one of batsmen too.

Hopefully hes selected for SA tour as I dont think Pandya will be fit to bowl in tests anytime soon

 

[Saurav]

Before my post just above, I must add that 5th bowler is certainly fitting in the calculation. Jadeja's role is not of a part timer here. He did bowled 31 overs at Headingley, so the fifth bowler option is clearly what they are looking to have. The only problem here is that they haven't selected a batsman with a seam bowling option in the squad because the expectation from 4th pacer is clearly not as same as the first three.

He bowled 31 overs because there was no other spinner and pacers were looking ineffective.Outbowled Ishant easily.

I'm confident Ashwin would have done atleast equal or better than any 4th pacer we played so far.

 

[pillionrider]

Why would India leave Ashwin out?
Maybe it is because India have an already long tail and Ashwin cannot bat?

Think again. He has five Test centuries, including one against England earlier this year. In fact, only two players in the England team - Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow - have scored more.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/58421641

 

[Swashbuckler]

Ashwin is a better batsman than Pujara and Rahane atm.

 

[Last Monetarist]

People have been banging on about his omission through this test match, but it's hard to ignore it with the way conditions have panned out.

The pitch isn't conducive to a spinner such as Jadeja bowling quickly around 57-58 mph. Ashwin would have used over-spin and drift to good effect even if the pitch wasn't turning. The way Moeen was ripping it from outside the right-hander's offstump suggests otherwise.

He'd at least not have bowled as many full-tosses and long-hops as Jadeja.

 

[Abhilash93]

If not for Jadeja's injury and Rahane taking over captaincy in the Australia tour, Ashwin would have warmed the benches there as well and India would probably have struggled to win that series.

If pitches are the only consideration, then Australia is historically even more non-conducive to spin, especially for finger spinners.

 

[Saurav]

People have been banging on about his omission through this test match, but it's hard to ignore it with the way conditions have panned out.

The pitch isn't conducive to a spinner such as Jadeja bowling quickly around 57-58 mph. Ashwin would have used over-spin and drift to good effect even if the pitch wasn't turning. The way Moeen was ripping it from outside the right-hander's offstump suggests otherwise.

He'd at least not have bowled as many full-tosses and long-hops as Jadeja.

Jadeja is 5th bowler.You can't expect him to do as well as Ashwin

Dumb to leave Ashwin out

 

[Last Monetarist]

Some good news for Ashwin: he's been recalled to the T20 squad.

 

[MenInG]

Some good news for Ashwin: he's been recalled to the T20 squad.

Would be madness not to take him to the UAE!

 

[ezhil]

I am sure he will mostly warm benches .... Kohli will take care of that

 

[globalcitizen]

Nah it wont.

The fact that India is still in the series after making so many errors with selection and application shows how poor England has been.

Have you forgotten Bhuvi drop for test 2 in SA?

Or Rahane drop during that series (when he wasnt this hopeless)?

Guess who we played at that time?

Dhawan.

Lost 1-2 against super weak Saffers.

This is like struggling to clear an easy exam.

What was super weak about the SA side that india lost to? please enlighten.

Elgar, Amla, Devilliers, Duplessis, Decock, Steyn, Rabada, Philander, Morne morkel

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

What was super weak about the SA side that india lost to? please enlighten.

Elgar, Amla, Devilliers, Duplessis, Decock, Steyn, Rabada, Philander, Morne morkel

There is a difference between a team with big names...and a team with big names who are in their prime.

Did you watch that series live mate?

That SA team was weak as hell.

1. Bowling was good. Even great. Steyn was done. Didn't play after 1st test I believe.

2. Batting was a joke. Amla, Duplessis were done.

To put it in perspective, remove Devilliers knocks and we would have won that series 3-0.

SL toured SA and won 2-0 after us.

It's like Indian team in 2012.

Big names. But the batting was a joke.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

He will warm the bench in UAE too

Brainless selection for t20 WC

 

[MenInG]

India's ace spinner R Ashwin bagged his 250th T20 wicket on Saturday while playing for Delhi Capitals in their Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter against Rajasthan Royals here at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Ashwin struck in his first over of the match as David Miller was stumped. It was poor cricket from the South Africa left-hander as he stepped out and attempted a slog but missed the ball by a mile.

Earlier batting first, Shreyas Iyer fought a lone battle at the top before Shimron Hetmyer hit a quickfire 28 to help Delhi Capitals reach a respectable 154/6 in their 20 overs.

Iyer hit a 32-ball 43 before he was dismissed against the run of play by Rahul Tewatia to get Rajasthan right back into the game. In fact, at one stage it looked like Delhi was aiming for a score in the range of 180 with skipper Rishabh Pant and Iyer looking good in the middle.

But Mustafizur Rahman broke the 62-run stand when he sent back Pant for 24. And that saw the RR bowlers claw their way back into the game.

For RR, while Mustafizur finished with figures of 2/22, Chetan Sakariya took two wickets and gave away 33 runs.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...spinner-r-ashwin-bags-250th-t20-wicket/816648

 

[MenInG]

After 5 long years, Team India will host New Zealand in a Test series at home. The two teams have played one bilateral Test series and have squared off in only 3 Test matches since 2016. The two Test matches will be played in Kanpur and Mumbai, respectively.

Barring Trent Boult, New Zealand have the rest of their first-choice players available for selection as Kane Williamson has returned to lead the side in the red-ball format. He took a rest for the three-match T20I series.

India are without the services of many first-choice players, including skipper Virat Kohli and senior batsman Rohit Sharma, for the series. But India's spin department is stacked with regulars.

The Test series will mark R Ashwin's comeback in the playing XI in the longest format as the senior spinner didn't get a game in the Test series against England. Ashwin, who will lead the spin attack with Ravindra Jadeja, will eye a major career milestone upon his comeback in the side. He is just 5 wickets short of eclipsing Harbhajan Singh on the elite list of Indian bowlers with most wickets.

Ashwin has dismissed 413 batsmen in 70 Tests while Harbhajan has 417 scalps in 103 matches. Ashwin can very well go past his senior right in the first innings to become the third-highest wicket-taker for India.

Former India skipper Anil Kumble tops this list with 619 wickets and is followed by Kapil Dev, who has 434 scalps. Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan share the 5th spot with 311 scalps each.

Talking of the overall list, Muttiah Muralitharan sits at the top with 800 wickets alongside his name. Ashwin is currently ranked at the 14th spot and is just 2 wickets short of leapfrogging Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, who has 414 wickets. Given Ashwin's knack of taking wickets in home conditions, he can very well go past Shaun Pollock as well. Pollock has 421 wickets alongside his name.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...to-usurp-harbhajan-singh-in-elite-list/834999

 

[MP2011]

After 5 long years, Team India will host New Zealand in a Test series at home. The two teams have played one bilateral Test series and have squared off in only 3 Test matches since 2016. The two Test matches will be played in Kanpur and Mumbai, respectively.

Barring Trent Boult, New Zealand have the rest of their first-choice players available for selection as Kane Williamson has returned to lead the side in the red-ball format. He took a rest for the three-match T20I series.

India are without the services of many first-choice players, including skipper Virat Kohli and senior batsman Rohit Sharma, for the series. But India's spin department is stacked with regulars.

The Test series will mark R Ashwin's comeback in the playing XI in the longest format as the senior spinner didn't get a game in the Test series against England. Ashwin, who will lead the spin attack with Ravindra Jadeja, will eye a major career milestone upon his comeback in the side. He is just 5 wickets short of eclipsing Harbhajan Singh on the elite list of Indian bowlers with most wickets.

Ashwin has dismissed 413 batsmen in 70 Tests while Harbhajan has 417 scalps in 103 matches. Ashwin can very well go past his senior right in the first innings to become the third-highest wicket-taker for India.

Former India skipper Anil Kumble tops this list with 619 wickets and is followed by Kapil Dev, who has 434 scalps. Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan share the 5th spot with 311 scalps each.

Talking of the overall list, Muttiah Muralitharan sits at the top with 800 wickets alongside his name. Ashwin is currently ranked at the 14th spot and is just 2 wickets short of leapfrogging Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, who has 414 wickets. Given Ashwin's knack of taking wickets in home conditions, he can very well go past Shaun Pollock as well. Pollock has 421 wickets alongside his name.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...to-usurp-harbhajan-singh-in-elite-list/834999

What a poor decision it was not to play Ashwin in any of the 4 tests we played against England in England!

 

[Vocare Ad Regnum]

What a poor decision it was not to play Ashwin in any of the 4 tests we played against England in England!

We won two of them, so in hindsight can't say that it was a bad decision.
Although, Jadeja totally flopped and now in SA Ashwin should be first choice.

 

[MP2011]

We won two of them, so in hindsight can't say that it was a bad decision.
Although, Jadeja totally flopped and now in SA Ashwin should be first choice.

Knowing Kohli, you may prove to be wrong.

 

[par]

We won two of them, so in hindsight can't say that it was a bad decision.
Although, Jadeja totally flopped and now in SA Ashwin should be first choice.

In SA we should play both of them and four quicks with Shardul Thakur as 4th pacer. Jadeja in place of Rahane.

 

[MenInG]

Ravichandran Ashwin's 2021 continues to go from good to better as he has become the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket in the calendar year. With 39 wickets to his name, Ashwin has overtaken Pakistan fast-bowler Shaheen Afridi on the list.

Ashwin achieved the feat with the wicket of Will Young during the ongoing Test match between India and New Zealand in Kanpur. Young was dismissed for 89 after a marathon opening partnership.

Ashwin's year had started with a heroic effort with the bat against Australia to save India a game at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) despite suffering from a back injury. However, he was forced to miss the final game of the series due to an injury.

The off-spinner came into his own during the home series against England in which he won the Man of the Series award. Ashwin was the series' highest wicket-taker with 32 wickets in four games.

He also chipped in with valuable runs with the bat all through the series. This included an incredible century with the bat at his home ground in Chennai during the second Test match of the series which helped Virat Kohli's men equalize the series.

Ashwin was arguably India's best bowler during the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2021 in which he took two wickets in both innings of the game despite India's defeat.

However, Ashwin did not feature in any of the four games that India played during the away tour to England. Virat Kohli's preference for a four-man pace attack meant the off-spinner had to watch the series from the bench.

Afridi is also in action at the moment in Bangladesh where Pakistan are playing a Test match as part of a two-match series. However, with India having three Test matches left in 2021 after this game, Ashwin is likely to finish as 2021's highest wicket-taker.

After this game, the two teams will head to Mumbai for the final game of the series starting from December 3. After the conclusion of the series, India are set to travel to South Africa for a multi-format tour that starts with another Test series.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...-test-crickets-highest-wicket-taker-in/835703

 

[Romali_rotti]

Ravichandran Ashwin's 2021 continues to go from good to better as he has become the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket in the calendar year. With 39 wickets to his name, Ashwin has overtaken Pakistan fast-bowler Shaheen Afridi on the list.

Ashwin achieved the feat with the wicket of Will Young during the ongoing Test match between India and New Zealand in Kanpur. Young was dismissed for 89 after a marathon opening partnership.

Ashwin's year had started with a heroic effort with the bat against Australia to save India a game at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) despite suffering from a back injury. However, he was forced to miss the final game of the series due to an injury.

The off-spinner came into his own during the home series against England in which he won the Man of the Series award. Ashwin was the series' highest wicket-taker with 32 wickets in four games.

He also chipped in with valuable runs with the bat all through the series. This included an incredible century with the bat at his home ground in Chennai during the second Test match of the series which helped Virat Kohli's men equalize the series.

Ashwin was arguably India's best bowler during the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2021 in which he took two wickets in both innings of the game despite India's defeat.

However, Ashwin did not feature in any of the four games that India played during the away tour to England. Virat Kohli's preference for a four-man pace attack meant the off-spinner had to watch the series from the bench.

Afridi is also in action at the moment in Bangladesh where Pakistan are playing a Test match as part of a two-match series. However, with India having three Test matches left in 2021 after this game, Ashwin is likely to finish as 2021's highest wicket-taker.

After this game, the two teams will head to Mumbai for the final game of the series starting from December 3. After the conclusion of the series, India are set to travel to South Africa for a multi-format tour that starts with another Test series.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...-test-crickets-highest-wicket-taker-in/835703

I believe Ashwin needs 1 more wicket to tie Wasim Akram's wicket tally... He needs 1 or 2 more to go past Harbhajan Singh, and then can easily break Kapil Dev's tally...

Ash should end his career with about 650 wickets imo...

 

[Ab Fan]

Ashwin is a legend of the game.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

In tests, Ashwin has 413 wickets @25 and 2700 runs @28. Jadeja has 227 wickets @25 and 2200 runs @34.

Basically, India get ~80-100 runs and 8-10 wickets each test from both.

A dream middle late order for any team and a big reason for India's success in test matches.

 

[MP2011]

What a cricketer Ashwin is! And to think that egomaniac didn't even bother to play him even once during England test series.

Criminal to say the least.

 

[sweep_shot]

Ashwin is kind of underrated.

413 Test wickets along with 2685 runs (with 5 centuries).

 

[Ab Fan]

In subcontinent conditions, he is the greatest player of all-time.

 

[James]

Ashwin is an ATG. No question. This doesn't get mentioned enough. It could be down to his understated workhorse style, which does not naturally attract attention.

 

[Saurav]

Ashwin is an ATG. No question. This doesn't get mentioned enough. It could be down to his understated workhorse style, which does not naturally attract attention.

Also because hes not a regular overseas

 

[giri26]

Also because hes not a regular overseas

The only reason he is not a regular overseas is because of Jadeja's batting and not for his bowling frailties. Ashwin over the past couple of years has been good overseas as well but the decline in his batting and rise of Jadeja as a batter has made sure he now plays less.

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

Congratulations Ashwin on being the 3rd Highest Wicket Taker for India

Gone Past Harbhajan Singh to become 3rd most prolific wicket taker for India.
419 test wickets and many more to come..
Exactly 200 needed to become India's highest test wicket taker.
Champion Bowler !!!

 

[ethan hunt]

Quality bowler in test cricket. India will struggle to win without him.

 

[MenInG]

Leading Team India's charge on Day 5 of the 1st Test against Kane Williamson-led New Zealand at Kanpur, spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin has surpassed veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh in an elite list. Ashwin bagged the crucial wicket of opener Tom Latham to stage Team India's comeback in the ongoing 1st Test between the hosts and New Zealand at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium on Monday. The spin wizard had earned plaudits with his all-round show on the penultimate day of the series opener.

The veteran spinner had removed Will Young on Day 4 to give the hosts a head start in the Kanpur opener. Making sure Team India picked up where they left off on Day 5, Ashwin cleaned up an on-song Latham for 52 in the 55th over of New Zealand's 2nd innings at Kanpur. With the wicket of opener Latham in the second session of Day 5, Ashwin has eclipsed veteran bowler Harbhajan in the list of leading Indian Test wicket-takers.

Spinner Harbhajan, who played 103 matches for Team India has bagged 417 wickets in his glorious Test career. For the record, Ashwin has become India's 3rd highest wicket-taker in the longest and oldest format of the game. The senior all-rounder of the Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India side has bagged 418 wickets in his glorious Test career. The carrom-ball specialist has scalped 418 wickets from 81 Test matches for the Asian giants. The 35-year-old spinner made his Test debut West Indies at the famous Arun Jaitley Stadium in 2011.

Ashwin is only behind bowling greats Kapil Dev and Anil Kumble. World Cup-winning captain Kapil had taken 434 wickets from 131 matches in the longest format. Legendary bowler Kumble is India's all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket. The former Team India skipper and spin legend has as many as 619 wickets under his belt in Tests.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...urpasses-harbhajan-singh-in-elite-list/836202

 

[Saurav]

The only reason he is not a regular overseas is because of Jadeja's batting and not for his bowling frailties. Ashwin over the past couple of years has been good overseas as well but the decline in his batting and rise of Jadeja as a batter has made sure he now plays less.

I always wanted both before Thakur emerged.

Even now Ashwin can contribute as much as Thakur as can Jadeja

 

[MP2011]

The only reason he is not a regular overseas is because of Jadeja's batting and not for his bowling frailties. Ashwin over the past couple of years has been good overseas as well but the decline in his batting and rise of Jadeja as a batter has made sure he now plays less.

If the team management is looking for runs from its bowlers then it only means that it's batsmen aren't doing their job. We all know which of our 3 batsmen are poor for years now. So there you go, it's Kohli' fault,

1) For starters, he himself should have been in runs;

2) He should have had the guts the crack the whip on Rahane and Pujara but since he himself is severely short of runs there is no way he has that authority especially when it comes to 2 of the seniormost bats in the team.

 

[MP2011]

Once in a while is ok but when a team
is always in need of runs from its bowlers then it only means it's batsmen are not performing at all.

Also, this is directly proportional to Indian team not having the services of a premier bowler like Ashwin in its ranks because of its captain being a lame duck due to lack of runs from his own bat.

 

[Saurav]

If the team management is looking for runs from its bowlers then it only means that it's batsmen aren't doing their job. We all know which of our 3 batsmen are poor for years now. So there you go, it's Kohli' fault,

1) For starters, he himself should have been in runs;

2) He should have had the guts the crack the whip on Rahane and Pujara but since he himself is severely short of runs there is no way he has that authority especially when it comes to 2 of the seniormost bats in the team.

bowlers are scoring more than them at home especially more than Rahane

 

[MP2011]

bowlers are scoring more than them at home especially more than Rahane

Which is again fault of Kohli and selectors who don't have guts to drop to this serial Deadwood.

 

[MP2011]

Rahane should have been dropped years ago. That he is not only playing but is also leading us is biggest testimony of gross incompetence of BCCI.

 

[MenInG]

Basking in the glory of becoming India's third highest Test wicket-taker, senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed that he feared his career would not survive the chaos unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic last year. The 35-year-old Ashwin, who took his 419th wicket in his 80th Test to surpass Harbhajan Singh (417 in 103 Tests) on Monday, said he thought his career was at "crossroads" after India's New Zealand tour early last year. "To be very modest about what is happening in my life and my career over the last couple of years, I did not know if I would go on to play Test cricket when we were in the pandemic, in the lockdown," Ashwin said in an interview by India team-mate Shreyas Iyer for the BCCI website.

"I had not played (India's) last Test in Christchurch (which began on February 29, 2020). I was standing at the crossroads thinking whether I would play Tests again, where is my future headed, do I get in to the Test team which is the only format I am playing. But God has been kind and I have been able to turn things around," he said.

"I then shifted to Delhi Capitals when you (Shreyas) were captain and things have changed ever since," he said in the interview uploaded in bcci.tv.

Ashwin's entire family tested positive for the dreaded virus in May this year during the IPL's India leg and he had to quit the event, which was eventually completed in the UAE in September-October.

Ashwin said Harbhajan inspired him to take up off-spin after he saw the veteran's exploits during the historic Test series against Australia in 2001.

"When he (Harbhajan) was bowling that wonderful spell against Australia in 2001, I never thought I would even be an off-spinner (one day) on that particular day.

"But, inspired by him, I picked up the ball to bowl off-spin and here I am. Thank you Bhajji pa for inspiring me.

"It is a wonderful milestone. It is a matter of pride. I got my 200th wicket on the same ground and now I surpassed Harbhajan Singh's tally on this very same ground again."

Recalling how he became an off-spinner after watching Harbhajan, Ashwin said, "Actually, I was more of a batter. I used to bowl a lot of seam-up for Tamil Nadu and then my pelvic disc slipped. Then I just started batting, I didn't want to bowl at all. I wanted to do nothing with bowling.

"After the 2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, I decided to take up spin bowling. That's when I watched Bhajji pa. It was pretty easy, put your hands across and just hop and skip and you keep going.

"That's how I started, but now I don't know whether I can do it (copy Harbhajan's style) because I have been on my action for a long, long time," he added.

Ashwin thanked Harbhajan for congratulating him on his milestone.

"I would like to thank him for the message. I will go and if I see it on Twitter, I will reply to him as well. Thank you so much Bhajji pa. Probably I never wished to surpass any of the legends but I am doing it. I am lucky and honoured to have done it.

"But overall, these are numbers that are just happening as a result of what effort I have been putting in and how I am trying to enjoy my game. At this point in time, honestly speaking, I am not worried about what number I am surpassing or anything."

Talking about the drawn first Test, he said, " After the game, it is still sinking in, the fact that we could not win, we were so close yet so far. It's a tough thing to get over for me.

"It happened once in Jamaica where we could not cross the line, on the last day we were trying to force a victory but could not get it. It takes some time for me especially as a bowler bowling in the last innings, but it just did not happen today," said Ashwin.

https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-ne...now-if-i-would-be-in-test-team-ashwin-2630179

 

[James]

Also because hes not a regular overseas

There could also be a separate discussion worth having (not just about Ashwin) around whether consistently world class performances at home over the course of many years are enough to achieve ATG status, with less emphasis placed on away performance. This would potentially bring the likes of Jimmy Anderson into the fold as well.

 

[giri26]

There could also be a separate discussion worth having (not just about Ashwin) around whether consistently world class performances at home over the course of many years are enough to achieve ATG status, with less emphasis placed on away performance. This would potentially bring the likes of Jimmy Anderson into the fold as well.

Ashwin's poor records overseas is a myth. He has improved a lot and is only unable to correct it further due to lack of opportunities. If you look at his record in Australia over the last two tours, his average has been 25 and 28 which is amazing for a finger spinner. His average in England is 28.11 again good for a finger spinner (He played 0 tests this year in England). He just played 1 Test in NZ and has an average of 33, can't judge him on only one Test. His record in SA is 46 but again that is mostly due to his first tour in 2013 where he struggled. He had a good record and averaged 30 on his second tour.

So if you look at his overall performance it is not that bad but again he does not get enough chances for no good reason. India prefer Jadeja only because of his batting which is due to the insecurity of the Indian management about the top/middle order. Ashwin should have played more Tests in SENA and his ever improving stats in those countries mean that he has been mishandled by the current management. To think that a bowler who has been playing for 10 years has just got 20 Tests in SENA and is judged by only his first few tours where he struggled is not fair.

Anil Kumble had horror tours to all countries in the 90's before he gradually improved after playing cricket for 10+ years. His only decent performance in the 90's was on his first tour to SA in 1992/93 where the host themselves were making a comeback after ban. If Anil had been dropped for overseas tours after his first 11 years of bad performances, he wouldn't have been able to improve his stats later in his career. Till we have V Kohli, Ashwin will struggle to make it to the XI which is sad as he is in his peak right now. I am worried that he might get dropped for the second Test as well in the pretense of getting another fast bowler in the XI.

 

[James]

Ashwin's poor records overseas is a myth. He has improved a lot and is only unable to correct it further due to lack of opportunities. If you look at his record in Australia over the last two tours, his average has been 25 and 28 which is amazing for a finger spinner. His average in England is 28.11 again good for a finger spinner (He played 0 tests this year in England). He just played 1 Test in NZ and has an average of 33, can't judge him on only one Test. His record in SA is 46 but again that is mostly due to his first tour in 2013 where he struggled. He had a good record and averaged 30 on his second tour.

So if you look at his overall performance it is not that bad but again he does not get enough chances for no good reason. India prefer Jadeja only because of his batting which is due to the insecurity of the Indian management about the top/middle order. Ashwin should have played more Tests in SENA and his ever improving stats in those countries mean that he has been mishandled by the current management. To think that a bowler who has been playing for 10 years has just got 20 Tests in SENA and is judged by only his first few tours where he struggled is not fair.

Anil Kumble had horror tours to all countries in the 90's before he gradually improved after playing cricket for 10+ years. His only decent performance in the 90's was on his first tour to SA in 1992/93 where the host themselves were making a comeback after ban. If Anil had been dropped for overseas tours after his first 11 years of bad performances, he wouldn't have been able to improve his stats later in his career. Till we have V Kohli, Ashwin will struggle to make it to the XI which is sad as he is in his peak right now. I am worried that he might get dropped for the second Test as well in the pretense of getting another fast bowler in the XI.

Imagine having the luxury to potentially drop someone as good as Ashwin.

One for England fans to be envious of with their rather limited spin stocks, lol.

 

[MenInG]

Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin continued on his exemplary run on Day 3 of the Mumbai Test against New Zealand. Ashwin gave India the opening breakthrough, dismissing Kiwi captain Tom Latham for a record eighth time in Tests (joined-highest with Stuart Broad). He eventually ended the day with figures of 3/27 in 17 overs.

With his second wicket of the innings where he dismissed Will Young on 20, Ashwin reached a historic Indian milestone. The off-spinner went past stalwarts Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh in taking 50 wickets in a calendar year for the most number of times (4).

Ashwin took 62 wickets in 2015, 72 wickets in 2016 and 56 wickets in 2016. Both, Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble took 50+ wickets in three different years each.

Most instances by Indian bowlers picking 50+ wickets in calendar year:

Ravichandran Ashwin (4) - 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021
Harbhajan Singh (3) - 2001, 2002, 2008
Anil Kumble (3) - 1999, 2004, 2006
Kapil Dev (2) - 1979, 1983

With 51 wickets so far, Ashwin will have an opportunity to add to his tally on Day 4. India are five wickets away from winning the Mumbai Test.

Earlier in the first Test, Ashwin went past Harbhajan Singh to become the third-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket. The off-spinner, with 426 Test wickets so far, is only 9 dismissals away from overtaking India's second-highest wicket-taker, Kapil Dev.

Ashwin also stands one wicket away from surpassing the great Richard Hadlee in most wickets in the rivalry contest.

He had earlier surpassed Bishan Singh Bedi with his six wickets in Kanpur to become India's highest wicket-taker in the contest. Hadlee had picked 65 wickets in 14 Tests against India.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...gh-for-huge-india-record-101638704597185.html

 

[jnaveen1980]

Ashwin's poor records overseas is a myth. He has improved a lot and is only unable to correct it further due to lack of opportunities. If you look at his record in Australia over the last two tours, his average has been 25 and 28 which is amazing for a finger spinner. His average in England is 28.11 again good for a finger spinner (He played 0 tests this year in England). He just played 1 Test in NZ and has an average of 33, can't judge him on only one Test. His record in SA is 46 but again that is mostly due to his first tour in 2013 where he struggled. He had a good record and averaged 30 on his second tour.

So if you look at his overall performance it is not that bad but again he does not get enough chances for no good reason. India prefer Jadeja only because of his batting which is due to the insecurity of the Indian management about the top/middle order. Ashwin should have played more Tests in SENA and his ever improving stats in those countries mean that he has been mishandled by the current management. To think that a bowler who has been playing for 10 years has just got 20 Tests in SENA and is judged by only his first few tours where he struggled is not fair.

Anil Kumble had horror tours to all countries in the 90's before he gradually improved after playing cricket for 10+ years. His only decent performance in the 90's was on his first tour to SA in 1992/93 where the host themselves were making a comeback after ban. If Anil had been dropped for overseas tours after his first 11 years of bad performances, he wouldn't have been able to improve his stats later in his career. Till we have V Kohli, Ashwin will struggle to make it to the XI which is sad as he is in his peak right now. I am worried that he might get dropped for the second Test as well in the pretense of getting another fast bowler in the XI.

Spot on. He is no.1 spinner in India by some distance. He has a whole bag of tricks. He doesn't rely on darting and letting the pitch variation do the job for you. Kookaburra balls have less pronounced seam hence purchase is harder to get for a finger spinner. But Duke is closer to SG if not the same as SG. Hence odd of him doing well in England is much higher. HE did prove that in county cricket.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Joint second Player of the Series awards now with Kallis. Murali and Kallis did win a few against Taibu led Zimbabwe and 2000s Bangladesh.

Ashwin has won them against NZ (3x), Aus, SA, Eng, SL, WI (2x). Away ones in SL (2015) and WI (2016). Rest all at home. All 9 led to India winning the series, again a rarity with 100% record.

Hasn't played test cricket against Pak and Zim.

India's biggest match winner probably of all time. And the MVP for home tests.

 

[MP2011]

Spot on. He is no.1 spinner in India by some distance. He has a whole bag of tricks. He doesn't rely on darting and letting the pitch variation do the job for you. Kookaburra balls have less pronounced seam hence purchase is harder to get for a finger spinner. But Duke is closer to SG if not the same as SG. Hence odd of him doing well in England is much higher. HE did prove that in county cricket.

I've been saying this it was such a poor decision to not let him play even a single test in Eng-Ind test series. And that after he was the only bowler in some kind of form, basis his form in WTC final and county game.

 

[MP2011]

Joint second Player of the Series awards now with Kallis. Murali and Kallis did win a few against Taibu led Zimbabwe and 2000s Bangladesh.

Ashwin has won them against NZ (3x), Aus, SA, Eng, SL, WI (2x). Away ones in SL (2015) and WI (2016). Rest all at home. All 9 led to India winning the series, again a rarity with 100% record.

Hasn't played test cricket against Pak and Zim.

India's biggest match winner probably of all time. And the MVP for home tests.

View attachment 113469

Ashwin played just over half the series Murali played and is just 2 behind his WR tally.

Fantastic!

 

[Swashbuckler]

Strange that so few Tamils have played test cricket for India, Sri Lanka, ROTW but number one and two on that list are both Tamils. Ashwin is from Chennai, even Murali (who has OCI card) spends lot of his time in Chennai where his wife and in-laws are from, his father in law being the founder of Malar chain of hospitals.