New Delhi: Veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu as part of the 2025 Padma awards list. Ashwin, who is renowned for his consistency and match-winning performances in Test cricket, is the only cricketer to be recognised this year, underscoring his immense contribution to the sport.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulated Ashwin on receiving the award, sharing their appreciation for his remarkable career. “Congratulations to @ashwinravi99 on being conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award by the Hon’ble President of India @rashtrapatibhvn, honouring his remarkable achievements and an illustrious career with Team India,” the BCCI posted on X.
Ashwin’s cricketing journey has been a tale of brilliance, marked by his remarkable consistency and invaluable contributions, particularly in the longest format of the game. Known for his sharp cricketing mind, he has established himself as one of India’s finest Test bowlers. Ashwin’s ability to take wickets in varied conditions, along with his contributions with the bat, has made him a key figure in India’s success in Test cricket.
In December 2024, Ashwin made the surprise announcement of retiring from international cricket following the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Brisbane, which ended in a rain-affected draw. Ashwin’s decision came as a shock to many, especially after his underwhelming performance in India’s home series against New Zealand earlier that year. His omission from India’s squad for the Perth Test in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy had also raised questions about his future in the team.
Despite the somewhat unceremonious end to his career, Ashwin’s numbers speak volumes about his greatness. With 537 wickets in Test cricket at an average of 24.00, he ranks as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format, behind only the legendary Anil Kumble. Ashwin’s exceptional bowling record is complemented by his batting contributions, having scored 3503 runs, including six centuries and 14 half-centuries.
Ashwin’s contributions were vital in India’s dominance in Test cricket, including an unbeaten home Test series record from 2012 to 2024, a streak only broken by New Zealand. His leadership in the spin department, both at home and abroad, played a pivotal role in India’s cricketing success.
In addition to his Test career, Ashwin’s IPL journey has seen him return to his first franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction. CSK secured his services for ₹9.75 crore, marking his return to the franchise with which he enjoyed considerable success from 2009 to 2015. Over the years, Ashwin also represented several other IPL teams, including the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings (where he also captained), Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.
Ashwin’s Padma Shri award is a fitting recognition of his immense contribution to Indian cricket, and his legacy continues to inspire both his peers and future generations of cricketers.
