A Rainy Farewell and a Sudden Announcement
Cricket fans were on edge as India faced the mighty Australians in the 3rd Test at Gabba. While rain abruptly ended the match, Ravichandran Ashwin shocked the cricketing world with his retirement announcement during the post-match press conference. With 765 wickets across 287 international matches, Ashwin’s legacy stands among the finest in cricketing history.
Legends of Indian Spin
Anil Kumble, India’s highest wicket-taker, and Ravichandran Ashwin, a modern-day spin wizard, share striking similarities beyond their monumental records. Both spinners are the only Indians to have claimed over 500 Test wickets, with Ashwin at 537 and Kumble at 619.
Their retirements unfolded under eerily similar circumstances. Both players announced their decisions during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, right after the 3rd Test. Kumble bid farewell after the Delhi Test in 2008, while Ashwin surprised fans following the Brisbane Test in 2024.
Adding to this parallel, their final wickets share a unique connection. Both legends ended their Test careers by dismissing a “Mitchell.” Kumble caught and bowled Mitchell Johnson at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, while Ashwin’s last victim was Mitchell Marsh during the pink-ball Test in Brisbane.
Only 2 Indians took 500+ Test wickets.
Kumble – Retired after drawn 3rd match of BGT series with his final wicket being a MITCHELL (Johnson)
Ashwin – Retired after drawn 3rd match of BGT series with his final wicket being a MITCHELL (Marsh) pic.twitter.com/o6g0qRRmlS
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) December 18, 2024
The Numbers That Speak Volumes
Ashwin’s mastery of spin brought him 765 wickets at an astonishing average of 25.8 and a strike rate of 45.75. His 37 five-wicket hauls match Kumble’s record, solidifying their places in cricket’s hall of fame.
Top Indian Bowlers by International Wickets
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Best Bowling | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 401 | 953 | 30.06 | 57.94 | 10/74 | 37 | 8 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 287 | 765 | 25.8 | 45.75 | 7/59 | 37 | 8 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 365 | 707 | 32.59 | 58.77 | 8/84 | 28 | 5 |
| Kapil Dev | 356 | 687 | 28.83 | 56.68 | 9/83 | 24 | 2 |
| Zaheer Khan | 303 | 597 | 31.48 | 48.49 | 7/87 | 12 | 1 |
Celebrate the Legacy
From Kumble’s dominance in the 90s to Ashwin’s brilliance in the modern era, Indian spin bowling has always been a force to reckon with. These legends leave behind legacies that will inspire generations of cricketers.
What’s Your Take?
How do you compare Ashwin and Kumble’s careers? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about these cricketing legends!
