Top 3 R Ashwin-MS Dhoni partnerships in international cricket
Veteran Indian off-spinner and all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin called it quits from international cricket after the third Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test between India and Australia in Brisbane. The retirement mid-way through the series left many in shock and splits.
However, this was not the first instance where an Indian cricketer announced retirement midway through a series. Former Indian captain MS Dhoni did the same when he announced his retirement from Test cricket mid-way through the 2014 Australia series.
This marks a commonality between Ashwin and Dhoni, who have played a lot of cricket together not just for India but in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. The two shared the dressing room for several years at Chennai Super Kings until the off-spinner went on to play for other franchises.
As Ashwin announced his retirement, he seems to be coming a full circle as CSK picked their star player at the IPL 2025 mega auction, bringing him back to their ranks. Thus, the Ashwin-Dhoni duo is all set to reunite once again. While they share a brilliant camaraderie, they have also had some memorable partnerships together on the field.
That said, as the 38-year-old all-rounder put an end to a glorious international career, let us take a look at the top three partnerships between him and the former Indian captain in international cricket.
Top 3 R Ashwin-MS Dhoni partnerships in international cricket
#3 76 vs Australia 2013, 3rd ODI
During Australia's tour of India in 2013, the third ODI of the series was played in Mohali. Batting first, hosts India put up a solid total of 303/9 on the board. They had lost six wickets for 154 runs when Ashwin joined MS Dhoni in the middle.
The duo stitched a crucial 76-run stand for the seventh wicket. While Dhoni led from the front, Ashwin provided him able support in the stand. Dhoni ended unbeaten on 139 off 121 deliveries while the all-rounder scored 28 runs off 35 balls, including three boundaries as well.
Their partnership helped India cross the 300-run mark. However, Australia chased the total down later on and went on to win the game by four wickets.
#2 66 vs England 2014, 4th Test
The fourth Test during India's tour of England was played in Manchester in 2014 where the visitors suffered an innings and 54-run defeat. In the first innings, India were bowled out for just 152 runs. A major chunk of those runs came from a vital 66-run stand between Dhoni and Ashwin.
The visitors had lost six wickets for 63 runs when the duo joined forces. They helped push the score to 129 before the bowling all-rounder was dismissed eventually. Dhoni 133-ball 71 that included 15 boundaries while Ashwin scored 40 runs off just 42 deliveries, hitting three fours and a six as well.
#1 125* vs Pakistan 2012, 1st ODI
The highest partnership between the CSK duo came during the first ODI of the home series in 2012 at Chennai. Batting first, India were in trouble after being reduced to 102/6 in the 34th over.
Skipper Dhoni played a lone fighting hand with an unbeaten 113 off 125 deliveries. However, he was well supported by Ashwin from the other end, who held the fort with his unbeaten 31 off 39 deliveries. Dhoni smashed seven fours and three sixes while his partner scored a couple of boundaries.
They added 125 runs for the seventh wicket in an unbeaten partnership to take India to 227/6 from their 50 overs. However, the runs were not enough as Pakistan eventually got over the line with six wickets to spare and won the game.