Ravichandran Ashwin’s top five IPL bowling performances showcase his brilliance under pressure. From his breakthrough 3/16 against KKR in 2010 to a rare 4/34 for Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016, Ashwin consistently dismantled top orders, delivering match-winning spells that solidified his reputation as one of India’s most formidable spinners.
5. 3/23 vs Delhi Daredevils – IPL 2012 Qualifier, Chennai
Pressure game, knockout clash, and Ravichandran delivered. Delhi Daredevils were chasing a daunting 223. After Murali Vijay’s blazing century, Ravichandran brilliance crushed Delhi’s hopes. He bowled Mahela Jayawardene beautifully, sent Andre Russell packing, and dismissed Umesh Yadav. His figures: 3/23 in 3.5 overs. Delhi folded for 136, and CSK romped home by 86 runs. Ashwin once again proved why he was Dhoni’s go-to man in crunch moments.
4. 3/17 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL 2022, Pune
Playing for Rajasthan Royals, Ravichandran still had the magic touch. On a sluggish Pune track, he strangled RCB’s middle order with clever flight and sharp dip. He dismissed Rajat Patidar, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Suyash Prabhudessai in quick succession. His 4 overs cost just 17 runs for 3 wickets, leaving RCB in tatters. Rajasthan won by 29 runs, highlighting Ashwin’s knack for delivering under pressure.
3. 3/16 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL 2011 Final, Chennai
In a packed Chepauk for the final, Ashwin ripped through Bangalore’s top order. He bowled Mayank Agarwal, dismissed Chris Gayle for a duck, and scalped Daniel Vettori. Figures of 3/16 in 4 overs in an IPL final? Pure gold. CSK never looked back and lifted the trophy for the second consecutive year. Ashwin announced himself on the big stage.
2. 3/16 vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2010, Chennai
Ashwin’s breakthrough moment. Against KKR, he spun a web that left Sourav Ganguly’s side clueless. He stumped Chris Gayle with a perfectly pitched delivery, then trapped Brendon McCullum and David Hussey. His figures: 3/16 in 4 overs, earning him Player of the Match. From here, Ashwin’s IPL journey skyrocketed.
1. 4/34 vs Kings XI Punjab – IPL 2016, Vizag
Ashwin’s rare four-wicket haul came in style for Rising Pune Supergiants. He dismissed Hashim Amla, Murali Vijay, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, and trapped David Miller LBW. His 4/34 in 4 overs was the standout performance of the game. Even in a forgettable season for Pune, Ashwin’s brilliance shone like a lighthouse in the dark.
