ravichandran ashwin

Okay, let's delve into the career and impact of Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the most successful and intriguing cricketers of the modern era.

Ravichandran Ashwin: A Detailed Look

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Full Name:

* Ravichandran Ashwin (often shortened to R. Ashwin or Ashwin)

Born:

* September 17, 1986 (age 37)

Birthplace:

* Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India

Playing Role:

* Bowler (Right-arm off-break) and Lower-order Batsman (Right-handed)

Nickname(s):

* Ash

Test Debut:

* November 6, 2011, vs. West Indies

ODI Debut:

* June 5, 2010, vs. Sri Lanka

T20I Debut:

* June 12, 2010, vs. Zimbabwe

Early Life and Domestic Cricket:

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Ashwin initially started his cricket journey as an opening batsman.
He transitioned to off-spin bowling due to an injury and the need for a reliable spinner in his college team.
He rose through the ranks of Tamil Nadu cricket, impressing with both his spin bowling and lower-order batting contributions.
He played for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he honed his skills under the guidance of MS Dhoni and quickly became a key bowler.

Playing Style and Strengths:

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Bowling:

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Off-Spin with Variations:

Ashwin is not a typical off-spinner who relies solely on stock deliveries. He possesses a wide array of variations, making him exceptionally difficult to predict. These include:
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Carrom Ball:

A delivery bowled with a flick of the middle finger, causing it to drift in the air and spin the other way (away from a right-hander).
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Doosra (Controversial):

A delivery that spins away from a right-hander when bowled with an action that looks like an off-break. Ashwin has bowled it in the past, though less frequently recently, partly due to scrutiny over its legality.
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Topspinners:

Delivers that drop sharply and generate extra bounce.
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Drifters:

Deliveries that drift in the air, deceiving the batsman.
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Subtlety and Deception:

He relies heavily on changes in pace, trajectory, and seam position to outsmart batsmen.
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Accuracy and Control:

He maintains excellent control over his line and length, allowing him to build pressure and exploit even the slightest assistance from the pitch.
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Tactical Acumen:

He is a thinking bowler, constantly analyzing batsmen's weaknesses and adapting his strategy accordingly. He has a keen understanding of field placements.
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Use of the Crease:

He uses the bowling crease effectively, varying his angles of attack.
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Adaptability:

He can bowl effectively on a variety of surfaces, but he is particularly dangerous on turning tracks.

Batting:

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Competent Lower-Order Batsman:

Ashwin is a more than capable batsman. He is technically sound and has a good temperament.
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Useful Runs:

He has scored valuable runs for India, especially in Test cricket, often rescuing the team from difficult situations. He has five Test centuries to his name.
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Aggressive When Needed:

He can also play aggressive shots when the situation demands.
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Strategic Awareness:

He understands the match situation and adjusts his batting accordingly.

Key Aspects of His Career:

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Test Dominance:

Ashwin has been most successful in Test cricket, where his variations and tactical nous come to the fore. He is one of the fastest bowlers to reach milestones like 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 Test wickets.

Home Track Hero? A Complex Narrative:

While his statistics are significantly better in home conditions (on spin-friendly Indian pitches), it's an oversimplification to label him

only

a home track bowler. He has had match-winning performances overseas, particularly more recently. He has improved his bowling in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia).

Partnership with Jadeja:

His bowling partnership with fellow left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja has been incredibly successful for India in Test cricket. Their ability to bowl in tandem, building pressure and exploiting conditions, has been a cornerstone of India's dominance at home.

Controversies:

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Mankading:

He has been involved in "Mankading" incidents (running out a non-striking batsman who is backing up too far), sparking debates about the spirit of cricket. While legal, it is often seen as unsportsmanlike by some.
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Doosra Action:

His "doosra" action has been scrutinized at times.

IPL Career:

He has played for Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. He is known for his economical bowling and ability to take wickets in the powerplay.

Captaincy:

He has captained Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

Awards and Recognition:

* ICC Test Cricketer of the Year (2016)
* Arjuna Award (2014)
* Numerous Man of the Match and Man of the Series awards.

Statistical Highlights (As of October 26, 2023):

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Tests:

* Matches: 94
* Wickets: 486
* Best Bowling Innings: 7/59
* 5-Wicket Hauls: 34
* 10-Wicket Hauls: 7
* Runs: 3280
* Centuries: 5
* Highest Score: 124

ODIs:

* Matches: 113
* Wickets: 151
* Best Bowling: 4/25

T20Is:

* Matches: 65
* Wickets: 72
* Best Bowling: 4/8

IPL:

* Matches: 197
* Wickets: 172

Impact and Legacy:

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Modern Spin Legend:

Ashwin is undoubtedly one of the greatest spin bowlers of the modern era, and arguably the greatest off-spinner India has ever produced.

Revolutionized Off-Spin:

He has redefined off-spin bowling with his variations and tactical approach.

Match-Winner:

He is a proven match-winner, both with the ball and the bat.

Inspiration:

He has inspired a new generation of spin bowlers.

Analytical Mind:

He is known for his sharp cricketing brain and insightful commentary.

500 Test wickets:

He is only the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to reach the milestone of 500 test wickets.

Criticisms and Areas for Improvement:

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Overseas Performance (Historically):

While his overseas record has improved, it was a point of criticism earlier in his career. Some argued that he was less effective on pitches that didn't offer as much turn.

Inconsistency at Times:

While generally consistent, there have been periods where his form has dipped.

Controversies:

His involvement in "Mankading" incidents has tarnished his image in the eyes of some fans.

In Conclusion:

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Ravichandran Ashwin is a complex and fascinating cricketer. He is a brilliant bowler, a useful batsman, and a shrewd thinker. He has achieved immense success in Test cricket and has made a significant contribution to Indian cricket. He has become a modern legend, known for his skill, his variations, and his competitive spirit. He continues to be a valuable asset to the Indian team.