Ravichandran Ashwin vs Harbhajan Singh: A stat showdown after 163 IPL games

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most successful spinners, has officially retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the 2026 mini-auction. Making his debut in 2009, Ashwin carved a remarkable career in the tournament, finishing as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. His consistency and ability to deliver under pressure made him one of the most reliable bowlers across franchises.

Harbhajan Singh, another legendary off-spinner for India, also finds a place among the top wicket-takers in IPL history, standing 13th on the list. Widely regarded as one of the finest spinners the country has produced, Harbhajan’s skill and control helped him earn immense respect during his IPL and international career.

While both spinners operated with similar foundations, their styles showed subtle differences. Ashwin often experimented with variations to stay ahead of batters, whereas Harbhajan relied more on traditional off-spin, making both unique in their own right.

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Comparing Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh’s IPL Records:

With that in mind, it’s interesting to draw a comparison between R Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh’s records after playing 163 IPL matches. Both legendary off-spinners left a lasting mark on the league, though their approaches and wicket-taking abilities highlight contrasting yet impactful bowling journeys.

• R Ashwin vs Harbhajan Singh: Complete Statistical Comparison:

Neither Ashwin nor Harbhajan managed a standout season with 20+ wickets, yet both remained reliable choices for their franchises. As frontline off-spinners, they played a key role in containing runs during the middle overs, creating pressure, and setting the stage for strike bowlers. Their ability to pick timely wickets further enhanced their value.

When comparing their records after 163 matches, the numbers reveal very little difference. Harbhajan concluded his IPL journey at that milestone, whereas Ashwin was still active and competing midway through the 2021 season. This makes their statistical comparison even more compelling for cricket fans.

Both bowlers recorded nearly identical wicket counts and economy rates over their IPL journeys. Harbhajan Singh held a narrow lead in terms of wickets, while Ravichandran Ashwin initially maintained a slight edge with his tighter economy. Their overall numbers reflected remarkable consistency and effectiveness in the tournament.

However, Ashwin’s figures took a hit in his later years as aggressive modern-day batters targeted him more often. His struggles during the IPL 2025 season further impacted his record, eventually pushing his career economy rate above Harbhajan’s. By the end, Ashwin’s economy stood at 7.20, slightly higher than his counterpart.

• R Ashwin vs Harbhajan Singh: CSK Career Statistics:

Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh share the distinction of donning the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey and celebrating title victories with the team. However, they never played together for the franchise, with Ashwin departing after 2015 and returning a decade later in 2025, while Harbhajan featured during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Ashwin spent the early years of his IPL career at CSK, learning under the leadership of MS Dhoni and delivering crucial performances that established him as a reliable bowler. His time with the “Men in Yellow” shaped much of his journey in the league.

Harbhajan, meanwhile, joined CSK after their comeback from suspension, adding experience and depth. Though their numbers differ significantly, both left a lasting impact.

• R Ashwin vs Harbhajan Singh: Wickets Contributing to Team Victories:

Spinners often play a decisive role in T20 cricket, with their biggest impact coming through wickets. While some spinners focus more on restricting runs rather than attacking for wickets, the fast-paced nature of the format often forces batters into mistakes, helping even defensive bowlers create breakthroughs.

Both Harbhajan Singh and R Ashwin were crucial in their teams’ victories over the years. Harbhajan’s brilliant spell in the 2013 IPL Final for Mumbai Indians and Ashwin’s standout bowling in CSK’s 2011 title win are prime examples of how both men delivered when it mattered most for their franchises.

Harbhajan Singh featured in 95 victories during his IPL career, which accounted for 58.2 percent of his total matches. In those wins, he proved highly effective with the ball, claiming 104 wickets at an impressive average of 21.37 while maintaining an excellent economy rate of 6.70.

Ravichandran Ashwin, meanwhile, collected 90 wickets in his first 163 IPL games where his side ended victorious. By the close of his career, he improved those numbers to 117 wickets in 119 wins, averaging 25.02 with the ball and keeping his economy rate steady at 6.69.