Ravichandran Ashwin opens a fresh debate between bowlers and batters

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most celebrated spinners, retired from international cricket in December 2024, during the middle of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series. Ashwin’s decision marked the end of a stellar career, where he became India’s second-highest wicket-taker across all formats, trailing only the legendary Anil Kumble. Though his international career is over, Ashwin remains active in the cricketing world and will continue to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for Chennai Super Kings. In the wake of his retirement, Ashwin has kept himself engaged in various events and gatherings, offering fans a deeper understanding of the game.

During one such event, Ashwin expressed his concerns about how bowlers are treated in Indian cricket. He lamented the lack of backing for bowlers and pointed out that, unlike some other cricketing nations, India has not yet fully embraced and celebrated its bowlers. Drawing comparisons with Australia, where bowlers are given more recognition and respect, Ashwin hoped that Indian cricket would eventually shift its focus towards supporting and celebrating its bowling talent. His words reflect a long-standing sentiment in Indian cricket, where batters often overshadow bowlers, despite the latter's crucial role in the team’s success.

"It is an unfair world. The batters get cocooned, but the bowlers don't. You will find Akash Deep not playing another Test because he didn't get enough wickets in Australia. But you will never find another batter who hasn’t made enough runs not playing another game for India. That’s exactly why Australia is a dominant force in world cricket and Indians aren't,” stated former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin during a recent event. 

“Even though we have everything, I still think Australia are a dominant force because they know where their roots are and they know bowlers are their main guys who will win Test matches and tournaments. The day we get there, bowlers will start consuming data way better than they do,” he added. 

Ravichandran Ashwin, who concluded his illustrious international career in December 2024, leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Over the course of his career, he played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is for India, establishing himself as one of the country's premier bowlers. Ashwin picked up 537 wickets in the longer format, along with 156 wickets in One Day Internationals and 72 wickets in T20Is. His contribution to Indian cricket, particularly in Tests, was invaluable, and he will be remembered as one of the best spinners to have ever played the game.

Despite retiring from international cricket, Ashwin's journey in the game isn't over. He will return to where it all began in 2008, as Chennai Super Kings have roped him in for the IPL 2025 season. This marks his return to his home franchise after nearly a decade. Ashwin last played for CSK in 2015, and the 2025 IPL will see him back in yellow, ready to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season. This return to his local team adds a poetic chapter to Ashwin’s career, as he looks forward to continuing his journey in the IPL.