Ravichandran Ashwin Centuries

Ravichandran Ashwin has scored six Test centuries (X)

Ravichandran Ashwin is often hailed as one of the most formidable spinners of the modern era. His mastery with the ball has seen him bamboozle batsmen from around the world, earning him a place among cricket's finest bowlers.

With over 500 wickets to his name, Ashwin's impact on the field is unquestionable. However, his genius isn’t restricted to just his spin wizardry. Over the years, Ashwin has also showcased his batting brilliance in Test cricket, where he has recorded six centuries, standing tall when India needed him the most.

His ability to step up with the bat and contribute significantly under pressure is what makes him a true all-rounder. Let’s take a detailed look at each of Ravichandran Ashwin’s Test centuries, where he defied expectations and batted like a seasoned campaigner.

1. 103 vs West Indies (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 2011)

Ravichandran Ashwin 103 vs West Indies (X)

Ashwin's first Test century came in the third Test of the 2011 series against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium. India, after dismissing West Indies for 590 in their first innings, found themselves in a dismal position at 331-6.

Ashwin walked in, calm as a cucumber, to join Virat Kohli at the crease. With India still trailing by a considerable margin, Ashwin played with grace as he combined solid defense with well-timed attacking strokes.

His innings of 103 off 118 balls was proof of his batting abilities, as he helped India reach 482, preventing a follow-on. West Indies, in their second innings, were bowled out for 134, setting India a target of 243 runs.

India managed 242/9 and fell short by just one run as the match ended in a thrilling draw. Ashwin’s His performance with both bat and ball in this match (9 wickets) earned him the Man of the Match award, truly a jack of all trades.

2. 124 vs West Indies (Eden Gardens, Kolkata, 2013)

Ravichandran Ashwin 124 vs West Indies (X)

Ashwin's second century came in 2013, during the first Test at Eden Gardens. India had dismissed the West Indies for a modest 234 in their first innings. In reply, India was reeling at 156/6 when Ashwin came to the crease, with Rohit Sharma at the other end. The two batted with great composure and took the game away from the Windies.

Ashwin's contribution of 124 came in a massive 280-run partnership with Rohit Sharma, who himself scored 177 as India scored 453. Ashwin's innings was an amalgamation of grit and grace, displaying a wide array of shots.

West Indies crumbled under pressure in their second innings, managing only 168, handing India a massive victory by an innings and 51 runs. Ashwin had not only contributed with the bat but had also picked up five wickets in the match, further cementing his reputation as a game-changer.

Ravichandran Ashwin Five-Wicket Hauls in Tests

3. 118 vs West Indies (Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, 2016)

Ravichandran Ashwin 118 vs West Indies (X)

During the first Test of India's 2016 tour of the West Indies, Ashwin yet again proved that he was not just a bowler who could bat. India batted first and was at 84/4 when Ashwin came into bat.

Alongside Wriddhiman Saha, the duo stitched a 216-run partnership with both smashing hundreds. Ashwin scored 118 off 297 balls with six fours and a six. West Indies responded with 225.

India then declared for 217/7 and bowled out Windies for 108 to secure a 237-run win. Ashwin was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his ton and three wickets.

4. 113 vs West Indies (Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium, Saint Lucia, 2016)

Ravichandran Ashwin 113 vs West Indies (X)

In the second Test of India’s 2016 tour of the West Indies, India batted first and posted a colossal 566/8 declared. Virat Kohli’s magnificent 200 was complemented by Ravichandran Ashwin’s crucial 113.

Coming in at 236/4, Ashwin played a vital knock, soaking up 253 balls and hitting 12 boundaries which helped India post a huge total. In response, West Indies were bowled out for a modest 243 in their first innings.

Following on, West Indies fared no better in their second innings, managing only 231. Ashwin spun a web around the batsmen, claiming seven wickets for 83 runs. India won the match by an innings and 92 runs, with Ashwin’s all-round brilliance sealing his 'Player of the Match' award.

5. 106 vs England (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, 2021)

Ravichandran Ashwin 106 vs England (X)

Ravichandran Ashwin delivered a brilliant all-round performance in the second Test against England in Chennai in 2021. India posted 329 in their first innings, led by Rohit Sharma's superb 161.

Ashwin contributed 13 before India was bowled out. In response, England struggled, managing just 134, with Ashwin taking 5/43. In India's second innings, Ashwin shone with the bat, scoring a crucial 106 off 148 balls, lifting India to 286 and setting England a target of 482.

England faltered again, bowled out for 164, with Ashwin claiming 3/53. India won by 317 runs, and Ashwin’s all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award.

6. 102* vs Bangladesh (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, 2024)

Ravichandran Ashwin 102* vs Bangladesh (X)

India ended Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai at 339/6, recovering from early setbacks. Bangladesh, having opted to field, made early inroads, reducing India to 34/3 with Hasan Mahmud doing the bulk of the damage. He dismissed skipper Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6), leaving India in a precarious position.

Yashasvi Jaiswal fought back with a well-crafted 56, and Rishabh Pant added a quick 39, but India still found themselves at 144/6. The recovery came courtesy of a brilliant 102* from Ravichandran Ashwin and an unbeaten 86 from Ravindra Jadeja.

Their 195-run partnership put India in a strong position heading into Day 2. Bangladesh's Hasan Mahmud was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/58, while Mehidy Hasan and Nahid Rana chipped in with a wicket each.