R Ashwin was ready to evolve all the time, made him stand out: Ravi Shastri
Former India coach Ravi Shastri highlighted how Ravichandran Ashwin’s eagerness to adapt and evolve.
With the changing dynamics of cricket made him an exceptional player throughout his career. Ashwin, who recently announced his sudden retirement from international cricket, has left the cricketing world reflecting on his iconic journey.
Ashwin revealed his decision to retire from international cricket during the post-match press conference following India’s hard-fought draw against Australia in the Brisbane Test, leaving fans and experts alike surprised. While many speculate if the decision stemmed from the evolving demands of the game, Shastri underscored that Ashwin always embraced challenges and continually redefined his craft at every stage of his career.
“I think what stands out for me was his wanting to evolve all the time. He wasn’t the kind of guy satisfied as to where he started. He wanted new tricks to be learned. He pursued it, practiced hard at it and continued to look for new things as his career progressed, to keep up with the times,” Shastri said on The ICC review show.
“His legacy will be of being a terrific match-winner, a fabulous record, 537 sticks. I mean anyone over 500 (in Test cricket) is special,” he added.
Ashwin’s Legendary Career
Ashwin debuted in 2011 against the West Indies and quickly cemented his place in India’s Test side. Over 106 Tests, he scalped 537 wickets at an impressive average of 24.00 and an economy rate of 2.83, establishing himself as one of the greatest spinners in cricket history.
Known for his cricketing intellect and tactical acumen, Ashwin was a master in home conditions, orchestrating numerous match-winning performances. His remarkable form in 2016 saw him claim both the ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year awards, becoming only the third Indian to receive the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy.
Ashwin was more than just a bowler; his contributions with the bat added significant value. A reliable lower-order batter, he amassed 3503 Test runs, including five centuries.
While Ashwin has bid farewell to international cricket, he remains committed to playing club cricket and the IPL. In the IPL 2025 mega auction, he was re-signed by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 9.25 crore, marking a homecoming to the franchise where he initially rose to prominence.
The spinner has expressed his excitement to reunite with stalwarts like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja at CSK. As Ashwin transitions into this new phase of his career, his legacy as a player who constantly evolved to meet the demands of the game will continue to inspire future generations.