Ravichandran Ashwin, born on September 17, 1986, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most celebrated cricketers in Indian cricket history. Known for his mastery of off-spin bowling, Ashwin has made a lasting impact on the game with his incredible performances across all formats of cricket. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest spinners of all time and a handy lower-order batsman.
Early Life and Personal Background
Full Name: Ravichandran Ashwin
Nickname: Ash, Lege
Date of Birth: September 17, 1986
Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Birthplace: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Family: Married to Narayanan Prithi; the couple has two daughters.
Ashwin grew up in Chennai, where he developed a passion for cricket at a young age. His family was supportive of his ambitions, and he pursued his cricketing dreams while excelling academically. He graduated with a degree in Information Technology, showcasing his ability to balance academics and sports.
Cricket Career Overview
Ravichandran Ashwin’s journey in cricket has been nothing short of phenomenal. Here’s a detailed look at his career statistics and achievements.
International Career
Test Matches
Ashwin made his Test debut against the West Indies on November 6, 2011. Since then, he has become a cornerstone of the Indian Test team, especially in subcontinental conditions.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Highest Score | Wickets Taken | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 106 | 162 | 3,207 | 27.37 | 124 | 801 | 23.95 |
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Ashwin debuted in ODIs on June 5, 2010, against Sri Lanka. He has been a reliable bowler in the format, known for his variations and economy rate.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Highest Score | Wickets Taken | Bowling Average |
| ODI | 116 | 70 | 707 | 16.44 | 65 | 156 | 32.91 |
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
Ashwin played his first T20I against Zimbabwe on June 12, 2010. His ability to adapt to the shortest format of the game has been commendable.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Highest Score | Wickets Taken | Bowling Average |
| T20I | 65 | 29 | 123 | 10.25 | 31 | 72 | 25.12 |
Domestic and IPL Career
Ashwin represents Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket and has been a star performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has played for several franchises, including:
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Key player in multiple title-winning campaigns.
- Rising Pune Supergiant
- Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings)
- Delhi Capitals
- Rajasthan Royals (recent years)
Milestones and Achievements
- Fastest to 300 Test Wickets: Achieved this milestone in just 54 matches, a world record.
- Man of the Series Awards: Multiple awards in Test cricket for his all-round performances.
- 2011 Cricket World Cup: Part of India’s victorious squad.
- 2013 Champions Trophy: Key player in India’s win.
- ICC Rankings: Consistently ranked among the top bowlers and all-rounders.
Playing Style
Ashwin is known for his tactical acumen and versatility. His off-spin bowling includes variations like the carrom ball and leg-spin, making him a nightmare for batsmen. As a batsman, he has proved his worth with crucial runs in challenging situations, including four Test centuries.
Personal Life
Ashwin married his childhood friend, Narayanan Prithi, in 2011. The couple has two daughters and enjoys a close-knit family life. Off the field, Ashwin is an avid reader and a tech enthusiast. He also runs a YouTube channel where he shares cricketing insights, making him a fan favorite.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Ravichandran Ashwin’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million (INR 120 crore). His income sources include:
- Cricket Contracts: BCCI central contract and IPL earnings.
- Brand Endorsements: Endorses major brands like MRF and SG.
- YouTube Channel: Revenue from content creation.
Recent Developments
In December 2024, Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of a glorious chapter. However, he remains active in domestic cricket and IPL while contributing to the sport as an analyst and mentor.
Also Read: Ashwin Retires from Test Cricket, Receives Heartfelt Farewell from Australian Team
FAQs
1. What is Ravichandran Ashwin’s highest score in Test cricket?
Ashwin’s highest score in Test cricket is 124, achieved against the West Indies.
2. How many wickets has Ashwin taken in his career?
Ashwin has taken a total of 801 wickets in Test cricket, 156 wickets in ODIs, and 72 wickets in T20Is.
3. Which IPL teams has Ashwin played for?
Ashwin has played for Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.
4. Is Ravichandran Ashwin retired?
Yes, Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket in December 2024 but continues to play in domestic cricket and IPL.
5. What is Ravichandran Ashwin’s net worth?
As of 2024, Ashwin’s net worth is approximately $15 million (INR 120 crore).