R Ashwin vs Anil Kumble: A tale of India's two spin legends

NEW DELHI: Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's most celebrated spinners, announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, marking the end of a 14-year career that established him as one of the finest bowlers in the game. Ashwin's 537 Test wickets and 765 international wickets place him as India's second-highest wicket-taker in both categories, behind only the legendary Anil Kumble.
The comparison between Ashwin and Kumble, two titans of Indian cricket, is inevitable, though challenging due to the different eras and conditions in which they played.
Kumble's legacy
Kumble's dominance is reflected in his 619 Test wickets and 953 international scalps, records that have stood the test of time. His career spanned nearly two decades, during which he delivered consistent match-winning performances. Known for his unrelenting accuracy and subtle variations, Kumble remains the highest wicket-taker in

Indian cricket history

.

Ashwin's brilliance
Ashwin, however, surpassed Kumble in terms of efficiency. He holds the distinction of being the fastest Indian bowler to reach every milestone from 50 to 500 Test wickets, achieving these feats in fewer matches than Kumble. With a bowling average of 24.00 and a strike rate of 52.6, Ashwin edges Kumble, who averaged 29.65 with a strike rate of 65.9 in Tests.
Ashwin also holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls (37) by an Indian bowler. His dominance at home is unmatched as 383 of his 537 Test wickets came in India. His ability to outfox left-handers is particularly noteworthy; his 268 dismissals of southpaws are the most by any bowler in Test cricket history.

Ashwin vs Kumble in Tests

All-round contributions
Ashwin's prowess with the bat sets him apart from most bowlers, including Kumble. With 3,503 Test runs at an average of 25.75, including six centuries, Ashwin has contributed significantly down the order. In comparison, Kumble amassed 2,506 Test runs at an average of 17.77, with one century to his name.
Ashwin's all-round capabilities are reflected in his rare double of 3,000+ runs and 500+ wickets in Tests, a feat achieved only by Shane Warne and Stuart Broad apart from him.
Legends of different eras
While Ashwin's numbers suggest a slight edge in efficiency and versatility, Kumble's longevity and sheer volume of wickets underscore his unmatched contribution to Indian cricket. Both spinners were game-changers, single-handedly turning matches in India's favour.
Ashwin vs Kumble in International cricket

As Ashwin retires, cricket fans celebrate two extraordinary careers, each embodying excellence and redefining Indian spin bowling in their unique way. Both will remain etched in history as legends who raised the bar for generations to come.