Ravichandran Ashwin rescued India with a hundred while batting at no. 8 against Bangladesh. Let’s have a look at Ashwin’s batting career.
Ravichandran Ashwin, long revered for his world-class bowling, continues to demonstrate why his contributions with the bat are just as valuable. His latest Test century, a composed 102* against Bangladesh at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, showcased his ever-reliable lower-order batting and proved again why India is fortunate to have a number 8 batter of his calibre.
Coming in at 144 for 6, with Bangladesh on top, Ashwin’s knock, alongside Ravindra Jadeja’s 86*, turned the match on its head. By stumps, India were at a commanding 339 for 6, largely due to Ashwin’s experience and steely resolve under pressure. The ability to fight back from a precarious position and restore balance is something Ashwin has repeatedly delivered.
Improvement through TNPL experience
Ashwin’s batting resurgence can be attributed to his recent efforts to hone his batting skills, particularly through his Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) stint. After his century against Bangladesh, Ashwin highlighted how playing in the TNPL helped him rediscover his aggressive side.
“It helps that I’m coming off a T20 tournament; I worked quite a bit on batting and playing shots,” he said after ending the first day’s play, unbeaten on 102. “Obviously, in the last IPL, I felt like I needed to widen my game and my horizons square of the wicket because I know I can hit the ball down the ground and I can use my feet. But I had to ask myself, do I want to explore other options? If I can ask that question and find an answer, it gives me a new avenue to explore and keeps me interested in the game,” Ashwin told ESPNCricinfo during the TNPL.
His aggressive mindset, often seen when he plays for Tamil Nadu or in domestic cricket, has translated seamlessly into his Test game, making him a more effective batter at the international level.
This positive approach was evident during his century against Bangladesh, where he dominated with an array of attacking strokes, including 12 boundaries and a six. The TNPL experience helped him fine-tune his shot selection and gave him the confidence to bat freely even in challenging conditions.
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The Stat-storyÂ
Ashwin’s ability to consistently perform with the bat, especially under pressure, places him among the best all-rounders India has ever had. His six Test centuries, including four from the No. 8 position, emphasise his effectiveness as a lower-order batter.
With 1,946 runs at No. 8 in 67 matches at an average of 27.40 alongside four centuries and seven fifties, Ashwin is second only to New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori in terms of most centuries by a batter at No. 8 or lower. He is the first and only cricketer to take 30 five-wicket hauls and score 20+ fifties in Test cricket. His highest score of 124 also came at No. 8, further highlighting his knack for pulling India out of trouble.
Ravichandran Ashwin has accumulated over 3,300 Test runs with a batting average of over 26.26. In-home conditions, his average climbs even higher (28.39), reflecting his adaptability and mental toughness in Indian pitches, which can sometimes favour spin or variable bounce.
Game-changing knocks
Time and again, Ashwin has shown his ability to rescue India in crucial moments. Here’s a look at some of his finest performances:
106 vs England, Chennai (2021)
In the second Test against England, India were in trouble at 106 for 6. Ashwin’s counter-attacking century helped India take control of the game, leading them to an eventual series victory. His 106 off 148 balls on a turning pitch was a masterclass in footwork and shot selection, especially against spin.
39 vs Australia, Sydney (2021)
One of Ashwin’s most iconic innings came at Sydney in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar series. Battling a back injury and enduring body blows, Ashwin, alongside Hanuma Vihari, defied Australia for nearly 43 overs to secure a dramatic draw. His gritty 39* came in trying circumstances, as India saved the match, a crucial result that played a part in their eventual series win.
70 vs South Africa, Johannesburg (2013)
In 2013, Ashwin’s 70* in Johannesburg gave India a commanding position in a game that could’ve gone either way. South Africa were in good form, but Ashwin’s fluent innings ensured India set a formidable target, giving the bowlers a chance to fight for a draw in tough conditions.
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The lower-order saviour
India’s recent success, particularly in home conditions, has often been supported by contributions from the lower middle order. Ashwin, whether at No. 8 or occasionally higher, has been pivotal in several such victories. He has played key roles in bolstering India’s first-innings totals or chasing tricky targets, where his calmness and match awareness often come to the fore.
What makes Ashwin’s batting so valuable is not just his technique but his ability to accelerate or defend based on the situation. Whether it’s playing out time for a draw or launching an offensive counter-attack, Ashwin’s experience and versatility make him a game-changer.
Ravichandran Ashwin is much more than just a bowler who can bat. His centuries and match-saving knocks from the lower order have proven that he is among the most valuable all-rounders in the game today. Ashwin’s resurgence as a batter, combined with his growing confidence from playing in the TNPL, has made him a vital cog in India’s Test setup.
With India facing challenging tours and series ahead, including a daunting tour of Australia, Ravichandran Ashwin’s batting contributions from No. 8 will continue to provide the Indian team with much-needed depth and resilience. For a team often reliant on its top order, having someone of Ashwin’s calibre down the order is a luxury that only a few sides in world cricket possess.
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