Veteran cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has been conferred with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu. The announcement, made on January 25, marks a significant milestone in Ashwin’s illustrious cricket career. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was quick to acknowledge the spinner’s achievement on social media, celebrating his monumental contribution to the sport. The BCCI posted,
“Congratulations to @ashwinravi99 on being conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award by the Hon’ble President of India @rashtrapatibhvn, honouring his remarkable achievements and an illustrious career with team India."
This recognition comes as no surprise given Ashwin’s extraordinary consistency and brilliance in Test cricket over the past decade. He has etched his name in history with remarkable performances, particularly in the longest format, where his all-round contributions have made him one of India’s most respected cricketers.
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A Career That Shaped Indian Cricket
Ashwin’s career has been filled with defining moments. Though his retirement from international cricket in 2024 was unexpected, his legacy remains untarnished. Ashwin’s final international appearance came during India’s series against New Zealand in 2024, where his performance wasn’t his best. His exclusion from the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad had already sparked speculation about his future, but Ashwin, with 537 Test wickets, has cemented his place in cricketing history as India’s second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumble.
Despite the quieter end to his career, Ashwin’s stats tell a different story. He has claimed wickets in every condition imaginable and has been instrumental in India’s dominance, especially in home series. In addition to his bowling feats, Ashwin contributed with the bat, scoring over 3500 Test runs, including six centuries. His cricketing intelligence, adaptability, and resilience made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Now, as returns to Chennai Super Kings for the 2025 IPL season, he continues to be a force in Indian cricket, ready to inspire a new generation.
