When the subject turns to impact players in IPL history, R Ashwin stands out from the rest. In 16 seasons of the Indian Premier League, Ravinchandran Ashwin’s IPL has been nothing but revolutionary, from innovating tactics to defying conventions, Ashwin has done more than excel. He has rewritten them.
Humble Beginnings: A Debut to Forget
Ashwin made his IPL debut in 2009 with his home team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), against the Mumbai Indians in Cape Town. But the beginning was anything but memorable. He wasn’t entrusted with the ball during the game and didn’t even get to bat as CSK collapsed to defeat.
With Muttiah Muralidaran being the first choice spinner, Ashwin featured in just one more game during that season. But in that match, he took 2 for 13 in a low-scoring victory against Kings XI Punjab, providing a peek into what was in store for his IPL career.
The Rise of the New-Ball Magician
One of the breaking points in R Ashwin’s IPL career was the final of the IPL 2011 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he got a red-hued Chris Gayle out in the first over.
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Formulating a strategy to mislead Gayle with flight and subsequently pace, Ashwin got him stumped behind, and things never looked back for CSK’s title victory. Ashwin ended IPL 2011 as CSK’s top wicket-taker, with 20 wickets, becoming a match-winner in the process. More significantly, Ashwin was a pioneer in bowling in the powerplay — an area spinners had always kept away from.
Most Powerplay Balls by a Spinner in IPL History:
R Ashwin – 1252 balls
Sunil Narine – 918 balls
Others (Harbhajan Singh, Axar Patel, Krunal Pandya) – under 500
This figure alone reflects his bold and strategic playing style for T20 cricket.
The Innovator: Offspin, Legspin & Beyond
Ashwin never hesitated to stray from conventions. His innovative attitude is well known, and he kept experimenting:
- Offspin and legspin
- Carrom balls, reverse carrom balls
- Bowling off unusual angles and pace variations
- Unconventional pauses and deliveries
By IPL 2018, while at Punjab Kings, Ashwin had also incorporated a complete legspinner’s assortment of skills in his game — an unprecedented switch for an offspinner who was classically trained. This radical experimentation is a foundational plank of R Ashwin’s IPL career, reflecting his dedication to adapting with the format.
Controversial Yet Legal: Mankading and the Spirit of Cricket
Ashwin has time and again crossed swords with the “spirit of cricket” with his literalism to the laws of the game. He warned Steven Smith for a back-up far in 2012. He was the one who hit headlines for running Jos Buttler out at the non-striker’s end, popularly known as Mankading, in 2019.
While not the first to try, Ashwin was the face of this legal but controversial dismissal, reaffirming that players need to play by the book not opinion.
R Ashwin’s say on Mankad Run-out?
“If it’s legal, I’ll do it. If you don’t like it, tough luck.”
Retired Out – Ashwin Changes the Game Again
In IPL 2022, Ashwin once again set new trends. In a match against Lucknow Super Giants, he became the first player in the history of IPL to retire out.
Coming in at No. 6 for Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin made 28 from 23 balls. But with 10 balls remaining in the innings, he walked off purposefully to let more explosive hitter Riyan Parag take over.
Rajasthan Royals Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara unveiled the plan was half an idea from Ashwin, demonstrating his profound tactical insight.
Ashwin subsequently declared,
“This should happen more often in T20s. We’re already late.”
This was another milestone in the IPL career of R Ashwin, establishing yet again that he dares to innovate for the team’s benefit.
The Legacy of R Ashwin in IPL
From being a benchwarmer in his first season to being one of the most tactically impactful players in the history of the IPL, R Ashwin’s IPL career is a reflection of intelligence, flexibility, and daring.
Whether it’s:
- Ending legends like Chris Gayle
- Opening the bowling during powerplays
- Overhauling his bowling action
- Breaking traditional conventions
Ashwin’s done it all.
He will not always be the showman, but when the IPL narrative is told, R Ashwin will be remembered as a trailblazer, a game-changer, and an IPL great.
ALSO READ: R Ashwin Announces IPL Retirement, Eyes Global T20 Leagues
