Ravichandran Ashwin, the spin stalwart of Indian cricket, recently announced his retirement following the Gabba Test, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. His retirement has quickly become one of the most talked-about topics globally, with fans and pundits alike reminiscing about his remarkable journey in international cricket. As the internet floods with highlights from his illustrious career, one moment stands out as a defining chapter in Ashwin's legacy. In an incredible feat, Ashwin became the only spinner in the history of the game to achieve this milestone, surpassing none other than a prime Virat Kohli during one of his finest years. This moment not only marked a career peak for Ashwin but also solidified his place among the greats of the game.
ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year and ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016
Ravi Ashwin in the year 2016 won the Cricket’s most prestigious Award in ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2016, This year he beat Prime Virat Kohli to this award especially the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year Award, And he also became the first ever spinner to achieve this award beating a batter. So this unique Instance was a huge achievement of Ravi Ashwin. The award was not just for his Bowling it was Ashwin’s rise into the international arena as an All-rounder as well, from hitting a century in West Indies and paying some crucial knocks in the longer formats that year. Ashwin was also named in the ICC Team of the Year for 2016 alongside Virat Kohli.
Ashwin’s 2016 in Numbers
Innings: 23
Runs: 612 runs
Average: 43
50/100: 4/2
Highest: 118
5-Fer: 8 Wickets
Virat Kohli’s Prime
Every cricket fan around the world is well aware of Virat Kohli's extraordinary performance in 2016. That year, Kohli was at the peak of his powers, amassing 973 runs in the IPL and maintaining an impressive average of 75 in longer formats. His statistics were nothing short of phenomenal, and he truly unleashed his potential during this period. In addition to his brilliance in the IPL, Kohli also scored a stunning double century against the West Indies, further cementing his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in the world. In T20 internationals, Kohli posted an incredible average of 101, showcasing his dominance in the shortest format.
Despite these remarkable individual feats, Kohli fell short of winning major trophies in 2016. He performed exceptionally well in the T20 World Cup, where he was named Player of the Series, and in the IPL, where he claimed the title of Player of the Tournament. While Kohli was in phenomenal form, the elusive trophies remained out of his grasp.
Amidst this dominance, Ravichandran Ashwin managed to surpass Kohli in a prestigious achievement, further highlighting the fierce competition between these two cricketing giants. Ashwin’s feat, which involved becoming the only spinner in history to achieve this particular milestone, speaks volumes about the level of excellence in Indian cricket during that time. The friendly rivalry between Ashwin and Kohli is a reminder of the incredible talent both players brought to the game in 2016.
Virat Kohli’s 2016 in Numbers
Innings: 41
Runs: 2595
IPL: 973 runs at an average of 81.80
T20 World Cup: 641 runs at an average of 106.8
100/50: 11/19
Despite Virat Kohli's remarkable individual achievements in 2016, Ravichandran Ashwin's contributions were equally vital to India's success, particularly in Test cricket. Ashwin played a pivotal role in helping Kohli lead India to three consecutive Test series victories, including a historic win overseas. His dominant performances with the ball were crucial in securing these triumphs, as he consistently outperformed opposition batsmen and provided the breakthroughs India needed. Ashwin was in "beast mode" that year, carrying the Indian bowling attack with unmatched skill and consistency. His impact on India's cricketing success in 2016 cannot be overstated, as he played an instrumental role in complementing Kohli's brilliance and driving India's success across formats.
