Happy Birthday R Ashwin: 5 lesser-known stats and facts about star Indian spinner - IN PICS

Ashwin's batting is very less talked about. He has scored 3,799 international runs and may cross the 4,000 run mark soon. Not many know but he had started his cricketing career opening the batting. He was also a pacer before his childhood coach CV Vijay made him take up off-spin bowling, considering his long height. Rest, as they say, is history. (Image source: Twitter)

R Ashwin is one of the mega stars in the Indian team. He began his career in 2010, a year after he burst on to the scene in IPL. Till the writing of this article he had played 255 international matches across the 3 formats for India, which is a huge achievement. (Image source: Twitter)

R Ashwin was once a key figure in India's plans. He has won with India, two ICC trophies: The ICC ODI World Cup 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, both under MS Dhoni's captaincy. (Image source: Twitter)

With 442 wickets in 86 Tests, Ashwin is the second-most successful bowler for India in this format, in terms of wickets, only behind Anil Kumble who grabbed 619 Test wickets. Would he be able to cross that mark is a big question. He is already 36 and may require two heavy back to back home seasons to fill the gap. (Image source: Twitter)

R Ashwin is an unstoppable force. One thing that sets him apart from others is his terrific work ethic. That is why even at 36, he continues to make India comebacks, in thw T20 teams. So far, Ashwin has picked up 659 international wickets, 442 of which have come in Tests. 151 in ODIs and 66 are in T20Is.  (Image source: Twitter)