Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s iconic off-spinner, is celebrated for his match-winning performances, philanthropy, and record-breaking cricket feats across formats.
Ravichandran Ashwin is a name that consistently surfaces whenever the greatest spin bowlers in Indian cricket history are discussed. He has dedicated his life to the sport, delivering unforgettable performances that revived India’s fortunes on numerous occasions. Beyond cricket, he has been recognized for his consistent philanthropic work, contributing to society at regular intervals. Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on September 17, 1986, Ashwin hails from a family with generations of cricketing passion. From a young age in Chennai, cricket fascinated him deeply. While cricket remained his primary passion, he pursued an engineering degree to balance academic discipline with athletic ambition. His early cricketing foundation was laid at St. Bede’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School. Later, he earned his B.Tech in information technology from Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering (SSN) in Chennai. Choosing cricket as a full-time profession, his parents stood firmly behind him despite his academic brilliance. St. Bede's Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering (SSN) Ravichandran Ashwin does not have a sister, as verified official sources and biographies do not mention any. As for siblings, he only has a younger brother. Throughout his stellar career, Ravichandran Ashwin has consistently worn jersey number 99, both in domestic leagues and international matches. This number became synonymous with the spin maestro. In his farewell message to Ashwin upon retirement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of the number by stating, "Your jersey number 99 will be deeply missed." Ravichandran Ashwin is married to Prithi Narayanan, his childhood sweetheart. The couple first met at Chennai’s Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan School. Their bond strengthened during their undergraduate years at SSN School of Engineering. Eventually, they exchanged vows in a traditional Tamil wedding ceremony on November 13, 2011, surrounded by close friends and family. Ravichandran Ashwin is one of India’s most accomplished spin bowlers. Presently retired from international cricket, he continues to earn substantial income through the Indian Premier League, representing Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 with a contract valued at ₹9.75 crore. He is not part of the BCCI central contract list since retiring from international play. In addition to cricket, Ashwin generates income through brand endorsements with prominent companies such as Myntra, Dream11, Bombay Shaving Company, Moov, Aristocrat Bags, Oppo, and Zoomcar. He resides in a luxury residence in Chennai worth approximately ₹9 crore and owns premium vehicles including an Audi Q7, Rolls-Royce, and Volvo. Ashwin is also an entrepreneur, having founded the Gen-Next Cricket Institute to nurture young talent, and he owns Carrom Ball Media, a media venture. Brands like Myntra, Bombay Shaving Company, Manna Foods, Aristocrat Bags, Oppo, Moov, Specsmakers, Zoomcar, Coco Studio Tamil, and Dream11 Ashwin boasts a stellar international career with both bat and ball, particularly excelling in Test cricket. As an all-rounder, he has amassed 3,503 runs across 143 innings in 106 Test matches at an average of 25.75, with his highest score being 124. He has recorded 6 centuries and 14 fifties in Tests. In ODIs, he has 707 runs from 64 innings in 116 matches, averaging 16.44. In T20Is, he has 184 runs from 10 innings in 65 matches, averaging 26.28. Focusing on bowling, the highlight of his career, Ashwin has claimed 537 Test wickets—a figure second only to the highest Indian wicket-taker. He averages 24.00 with a best bowling performance of 7/59. In ODIs, he has taken 156 wickets from 113 innings at an average of 33.21, with his best figures being 4/25. In T20Is, he has 72 wickets from 65 innings at an average of 23.22, with his top performance being 4/8. Undeniably India’s most legendary spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin’s career is adorned with numerous accolades and milestones. From ICC awards to the highest civilian and sports honors, his achievements span every major recognition in cricket. Whether breaking records for fastest wicket-takers or accumulating the most wickets, he pursued excellence relentlessly. In 2012, he was honored as the ICC Emerging Player of the Year for his early international success. In 2022, he surpassed Kapil Dev to become India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, trailing only Anil Kumble. In 2023, he achieved a record as the fastest Indian to reach 450 Test wickets, accomplishing the feat during a match against Australia. In 2024, he joined the exclusive club of bowlers with 500 or more Test wickets, becoming the second Indian and ninth player globally to reach this milestone. Most recently, in 2025, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contributions to cricket. Below is a complete list of all awards, honors, and career milestones he has achieved. What are Ravichandran Ashwin’s age and birthday? Currently aged 38, Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates his birthday every year on September 17. Ravichandran Ashwin stands 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall. Ravichandran Ashwin is married to Prithi Narayanan, his childhood friend and longtime partner. The couple’s wedding took place in Chennai on November 13, 2011, in a traditional ceremony. How many centuries has Ravichandran Ashwin scored? Ravichandran Ashwin has scored 6 international centuries, all of which were achieved in Test matches. What is Ravichandran Ashwin’s net worth and salary? As of 2025, Ravichandran Ashwin’s net worth is estimated to exceed ₹132 crore (approximately US $16 million). His wealth stems from earnings in the Indian Premier League, international cricket, and various brand endorsements. What is Ravichandran Ashwin’s jersey number? Ravichandran Ashwin has always worn jersey number 99 throughout his illustrious cricket career, making it a defining part of his identity in all formats. What are Ravichandran Ashwin’s career achievements? His achievements include the highest civilian and sports honors as well as multiple ICC awards. In his pursuit of greatness, he has accomplished everything—from holding records for most wickets to achieving the fastest wicket milestones. All images used are for editorial purposes only. Licensing is solely with Getty/Source.