An icon, a spin wizard, and unplayable on Indian soil, Ravichandran Ashwin has been a game-changer for Indian cricket. With his brilliant cricketing brain, Ashwin has outsmarted opponents time and again, and there’s no doubt he will go down as one of the greatest spinners to ever grace the game—if not the greatest.

For those who think they have an idea of how competitive Ashwin was, think again. From his controversial mankading incidents to putting his body on the line for his country during the 2021 Sydney Test against Australia, Ashwin has always been up for a challenge, showcasing his tenacity in every situation.

As Ashwin retires, it’s a fitting time to reflect on his remarkable career and share some lesser-known facts that have shaped the player we know today:

The Experiment with Tennis Balls

Before becoming the off-spin maestro we admire today, Ashwin was a promising opening batter and medium pacer. His transition to spin came after an unexpected injury to his pelvis during a tennis ball match. This setback forced him to re-evaluate his approach to bowling, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Superstitious Taxi Ride

Ashwin, like many athletes, has his share of superstitions. One quirky ritual that he followed early on in his career involved a specific taxi ride to the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) for matches or practice sessions. This taxi, driven by an older local driver who knew the city’s streets well, became a lucky charm for Ashwin. Whenever he performed well after riding in this particular cab, his belief in the ritual was strengthened, cementing the taxi as an integral part of his pre-game routine.

On days when the taxi was unavailable, Ashwin would panic, going to lengths to locate the driver. If the cab was delayed, he would often be late to the stadium, much to the annoyance of his coaches and teammates.

A Deep Knowledge of Cricket Laws

Ashwin’s understanding of cricket laws is often regarded as unmatched, with many believing he knows the MCC laws better than some umpires. His expertise came to the forefront during the “Mankading” controversy, where he took to social media to explain the legality of the dismissal in painstaking detail.

During a tense match between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin ran out Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end, a move known as mankading, after Buttler left the crease early. While some saw it as a clever use of the rules, others felt it went against the spirit of the game.

Ashwin’s knowledge of the game and his ability to use the laws to his advantage, is a testament to his competitiveness and strategic brilliance.

The Sydney Test (2021): A Legendary Partnership

The 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s third Test in Sydney is a defining moment in Ashwin’s career. Though the match ended in a draw, it showcased one of the most resilient performances in cricket history. With India on the brink of defeat, Ashwin partnered with Hanuma Vihari, who was struggling with a torn hamstring, to deny Australia victory.

Despite back pain and a lack of mobility, Ashwin battled through relentless spells from Australia’s top bowlers, surviving 128 balls to score 39* while Vihari added 23* off 161 balls. Together, they batted for 42.4 overs, adding an unbeaten 62 runs. Their efforts not only saved the match but also set the stage for India’s historic victory at the Gabba.

During the game, Ashwin famously responded to Australian captain Tim Paine’s sledging, quipping, “Just like you went to India last time and came back empty-handed?” The quick retort silenced Paine, adding to the pressure on the Australians, who couldn’t break the partnership despite having multiple opportunities.

Ashwin’s Love for Chess

A lesser-known but fascinating aspect of Ashwin’s personality is his passion for chess. His deep interest in the game has sharpened his strategic thinking and decision-making, both on and off the field. Ashwin himself has said that cricket and chess share many similarities, particularly in the need for patience, planning, and anticipating the opponent’s moves. Much like in chess, where each move is a calculated risk, Ashwin applies the same mindset to his bowling, carefully considering every delivery as a vital part of his strategy.

Ashwin’s Retirement: A Career to Remember

Ravichandran Ashwin retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 537 wickets in 106 matches—only behind Anil Kumble’s 619 wickets.

His contributions to Indian cricket are immeasurable, and Ash Anna’s legacy will be remembered not just for the records he set but for the spirit, intelligence and competitiveness he brought to the game.