17 September 2026,
Thursday
17 September 2026,
Thursday
Former legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (Photo - IANS)
Former Indian spin all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin is celebrating his 40th birthday on 17 September. One of the finest spinners of his generation, Ashwin was greeted with birthday wishes by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) through a post on its official X account. X itself also marked the occasion, with balloons appearing on screen when users visit his profile.
In its post on X, the BCCI wrote that Ashwin played 287 international matches, took 765 international wickets and scored 4,394 international runs, including six Test centuries. The board also noted his role in India's victories at the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, calling him one of Team India's greats and wishing him a happy birthday. Along with the message, the BCCI shared a poster showing Ashwin in India's Test and white-ball jerseys.
Ashwin made his international debut in 2010 and went on to become a key part of the Indian team, particularly in Test cricket. His performances in big matches and difficult conditions made him a firm fan favourite. He ended his international career with 765 wickets — 537 in Tests, 156 in ODIs and 72 in T20 Internationals. His 537 Test wickets came in 106 matches, including 37 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket match hauls.
In ODIs, Ashwin took 156 wickets in 116 matches at an average of 33.20, with an economy rate of 4.93 and best figures of 4/25. In T20 Internationals, he claimed 72 wickets in 65 matches at an average of 23.22, with an economy rate of 6.90 and best figures of 4/8.
Ashwin retired from international cricket in 2024. He finished as India's second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumble and ranks among the most successful spinners in the history of international cricket. He remained highly effective until the end, taking 37 wickets in seven home Test matches against England and Bangladesh earlier that year.
