ACF 2: Ashwin’s clean sweep against Australia in 2013

Ravichandran Ashwin played a vital role in many of India’s Test victories during his career. Being a major challenge for opposition batsmen in Indian conditions, Ashwin broke numerous Test cricket records and left an indelible mark on the game. He is the joint-fastest bowler to reach 350 wickets in Test cricket, alongside the legendary Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan.

Ashwin retired as India’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests, behind Anil Kumble (619), Kapil Dev (434), and Harbhajan Singh (417).

But in this article, we’re not here to focus on his overall numbers. Instead, let’s revisit a unique record Ashwin achieved during India’s famous Border-Gavaskar series win in 2013.

Let’s dive into it without wasting any time.

The famous Australian whitewash!

When Australia toured India in 2013 for a four-Test series, it was India who produced a stunning 4-0 clean sweep against a side that had dominated Test cricket in the previous generation. Remarkably, it was Australia’s first whitewash in a Test series since 1969–70.

It became one of the most famous Test series victories for India under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Leading the charge was Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s trump card, who delivered a Player of the Series performance with 29 wickets.

In doing so, Ashwin surpassed Anil Kumble’s then-record of 27 wickets for the most wickets in a four-Test series by an Indian bowler. He also became just the third Indian off-spinner to claim more than 25 wickets in a single Test series.

Ashwin didn’t miss any!

Despite India’s famous clean sweep under MS Dhoni, another rare and remarkable record was achieved by Ravichandran Ashwin during that series.

The Chennai-based off-spinner dismissed every single Australian batsman who took the field in the series at least once. Yes — it was a complete sweep for Ashwin too. Across the four Tests, he accounted for all 16 Australian players who batted.

Of course, this unique feat was possible because Australia rotated through all 16 members of their squad during the series. Still, for Ashwin to dismiss each one of them, at least once, is an extraordinary record that will be incredibly hard to replicate.