Ravichandran Ashwin truly showcased his exceptional all-round abilities during the India-England Test series in February-March 2021. He not only exhibited his brilliant skills with the ball but also made significant contributions with the bat, further cementing his status as one of the finest all-rounders in contemporary cricket.
First Indian to take 30+ wickets and score a century in a four-match Test series: Ashwin made history by becoming the first Indian to take more than 30 wickets (he took 32 wickets) and score a century in a four-match Test series. This was an incredible feat that displayed both his mastery as a bowler and his growing prowess as a batsman.
He was only the fifth player in the world to achieve this remarkable double of 30+ wickets and a century in a single Test series, joining an elite list of all-round legends in cricket.
Wickets Taken: Ashwin took 32 wickets in 4 matches at an impressive average, making him the leading wicket-taker of the series. His bowling was particularly effective on the spin-friendly surfaces in India, where his variations and guile proved difficult for the English batsmen to handle.
Batting Performance: Ashwin scored a century (106 runs) in the second Test at Chennai, contributing significantly with the bat. His century was crucial in India’s commanding win and was a testament to his improved batting skills, especially in challenging conditions.
Ashwin’s performance in the 2021 series made him the first Indian to take 30 or more wickets in a Test series twice. The first instance came in the 2016-17 series against New Zealand, where he took 27 wickets. His consistency in producing match-winning performances with the ball has been outstanding.
Ashwin’s Eight Player of the Series Awards in Test Cricket: Ashwin’s ability to turn up with match-winning performances in Test cricket has earned him 8 Player of the Series awards. This is the most by any Indian player, showcasing his incredible consistency and impact in Test matches over the years.
Ashwin vs. Muttiah Muralitharan & Jacques Kallis: Although Ashwin’s 8 Player of the Series awards are the most by any Indian, Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (11 awards) and South Africa’s Jacques Kallis (9 awards) remain ahead in terms of the total number of Player of the Series accolades.
All-Rounder Skills: The India-England series of 2021 reinforced Ashwin’s reputation as one of the best all-rounders in modern Test cricket. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a key player for India in all formats, especially in Test cricket.
Bowling Prowess: Ashwin’s bowling, especially in home conditions, is second to none. His mastery over various types of deliveries, such as the carom ball, the drift, and the loop, makes him a constant threat to batsmen. His wicket-taking ability in difficult conditions (especially spinning tracks) has made him a match-winner for India.
Contribution with the Bat: Ashwin’s growing batting ability, including his century against England in 2021, shows that he is not just a bowler but an essential all-rounder in Test cricket. He has become a valuable asset to the Indian team, especially when contributing with the bat in tight situations.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance during the India-England Test series in 2021 was truly extraordinary. Becoming the first Indian to take 30+ wickets and score a century in a four-match Test series was a historic achievement, and his eight Player of the Series awards reflect his importance as a key player in India’s Test lineup. His all-round skills, both with the ball and the bat, make him a standout player in modern-day cricket.
