Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after the end of the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane. The retirement came as a surprise in the middle of the series as it was not expected by the fans and analysts. He expressed his humility and self-awareness stating that he still had a bit of punch left in him but wanted to focus on club cricket.
Ashwin’s retirement sparked an end of an era as he has had an illustrious career in international cricket especially in Test cricket. Ashwin along with Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh have been three of the finest spinners who have played for India in Test cricket. Let us compare the stats of the three spinners in Test cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin vs. Harbhajan Singh vs. Anil Kumble in Test cricket:
Ashwin has played 106 Test matches and has picked up 537 Test wickets at an average of 24.01 and a strike-rate of 50.74. He has 37 five-wicket haul and 8 ten-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Anil Kumble, on the other hand, has scalped 619 wickets in 132 Test matches at an average of of 29.65 and a strike-rate of 65.99. He has 35 five-wicket hauls and eight ten wicket hauls.
Harbhajan has meanwhile played 103 Test matches and has picked up 417 Test wickets at an average of 32.46 and a strike-rate of 68.54. He has 25 five-wicket hauls and five ten-wicket hauls.
- Wickets and Matches: Kumble has the highest number of wickets but in more matches than Ashwin and Harbhajan. Ashwin, despite playing fewer matches, has a higher wickets per match ratio than Kumble and Harbhajan.
- Average and Strike Rate: Ashwin’s bowling average and strike rate are significantly better than both Kumble and Harbhajan, indicating he has been more effective per ball bowled.
- Five and Ten-Wicket Hauls: Ashwin leads in five-wicket hauls, showing his dominance in matches. He and Kumble share the same number of ten-wicket hauls, but Ashwin does so in fewer matches.
- Impact and Role: Ashwin has been sensational at home, and his contributions as a batsman have been significant. Kumble, known for his relentless accuracy and leadership, including captaining India, had a different yet equally impactful role. Harbhajan, with his prodigious turn and memorable performances like the 2001 series against Australia, had moments of brilliance.
