The year 2016 is one which will be etched in Ravichandran Ashwin's heart forever. He has been in sublime form across all formats of the game all the year-long and along the way, has broken several records in the game. Here's a look back at some of the memorable moments of the year for Ashwin.
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5. Success overseas
Of late, he had been criticised for his performances overseas failing to provide crucial breakthroughs when the team needed it the most. But come 2016, Ashwin put all the criticism to rest and pulled of a stunning show to emerge as one of the vital cogs in the Indian XI across all formats much to the amusement of the fans.
4. Decimating the Lankans on a green top
It was a night to remember for Ashwin against the Lankans at Vishakapatnam on 14th February 2016 when we picked 4 wickets for 8 runs proving to be the match winner again. This performance not only earned him the Man of the Match Award but also the Man of the Series for his effort in the T20 series.
3. Rise to the top!
This year saw Ashwin rise to the top of the ranking charts on several occasions and due to his consistent performances with both the bat and the bowl, he finished the year at the top of the bowling and the all-rounder's charts.
2. Had enough with the ball, let me do it with the bat now!
Not only did Ashwin shine with the bowl but he also we wield his willow to good use notching up valuable contributions time and again to ensure Team India were always on top of the game. In the process, he went on to score the joint second most number of fifties in this calendar year, a fine performance indeed for a bowling all-rounder.
1. Awarded the ICC Cricketer of the year and the Test Player of the year
The icing on the cake came at the end of the year, having successfully completed the year with several high quality match winning performances, he was always in the reckoning to win big on the ICC Awards night and that prophecy did indeed come true when he won two of the most prestigious awards that every cricketer dreams of getting one day.