R Ashwin reveals toughest batter he has bowled to

Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the finest spinners to have ever played the game of cricket. He recently announced his retirement from international cricket but he will continue plying his trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The veteran, who has picked up 765 international wickets across the three formats, recently arrived at the AWS AI Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru. During the event, he was asked to name the toughest batter he has bowled to, the best captain in the world, favourite spin-bowling partner and much more. Let's take a look at Ashwin's answers.

Toughest batter to bowl to?

Joe Root is a fine batter, I really rate him against spin. I think he had a problem against left-arm spin, but I think I found ways to dismiss him much later in his career. Got really smooth footwork and lovely hands.

Best captain in the world?

If it was about handling the side and getting the best from a player, it’s MS Dhoni. But, I think tactically most astute person reading the passage of the play is Steve Smith.

Best spin bowling partner you’ve had?

Ravindra Jadeja. He doesn’t think too much about dismissing batters, he keeps going about his business. He gave me the luxury to be able to be more creative.

Favorite wicket celebration?

I dismissed Glenn Maxwell in 2014 and blew him away. He smashed me black and blue. Not proud of it.

Favorite Test match?

2017 Against Australia in Bengaluru. And the one in Melbourne after we got out for 36.

Most challenging overseas conditions?

South Africa is quite hard place to bowl when they give you green mambas, but I find tough to answer that.

One batter you would’ve loved to bowl to in your prime?

Brian Lara. I saw him taking Muralitharan down in Sri Lanka when he made 1000 runs in three matches.

The most entertaining cricketer you’ve played against?

Marnus Labuschagne. The kind of energy he brings in, I like it.

Ashwin announced his retirement after the third Test between India and Australia during the Border-Gavaskar series. The stalwart finished as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket wotj 537 scalps in 106 Tests, only behind Anil Kumble (619 wickets).

Also Read: It’s an unfair world, struggling bowlers are dropped but not struggling batters: R Ashwin

The 38-year-old Ashwin was roped in by CSK for a whopping INR 9.75 crore, after a bidding war with Rajasthan Royals. He played for the Men in Yellow from 2009 to 2015. Ashwin will look to make an impact in his second stint with the Chennai-based franchise and help them win a record sixth IPL title.