Post-tea, as Ashwin achieved this historic feat, reminiscent of Anil Kumble's legacy, the dressing room erupted in subdued jubilation, mindful of the task ahead in the series against a formidable opponent. Ashwin's demeanor, more relieved than jubilant, reflected the gravity of the moment and the unwavering focus on the challenges that lay ahead.
Rohit Sharma introduced Ashwin into the attack in the 12th over and it took the wily off-spinner only 7 balls to get the wicket that he would have thought, he would get earlier in the series.
Rohit Sharma's astute decision to introduce Ashwin into the attack bore fruit swiftly, as the seasoned off-spinner needed a mere 7 balls to claim a crucial wicket, a scenario he likely envisioned earlier in the series.
Ashwin's remarkable achievement of reaching 500 wickets in 98 matches solidifies his status as one of the game's premier spinners, trailing only the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan in pace. His dominance at home is undeniable, with 351 wickets at a staggering average of 21.26, while his effectiveness away from familiar conditions is underscored by 149 wickets at an average of 30.40.
In his first 16 Tests, Ashwin snared nine five-wicket hauls and became the fastest to the 300 wickets club.
Ashwin's prowess extends beyond Test cricket, as evidenced by his impactful performances in the shorter formats. With 156 wickets in 116 ODIs and 72 scalps in 65 T20 Internationals, he has consistently delivered match-winning contributions across different formats, showcasing his versatility and value to the Indian team.
We talk about Ashwin in India, but don’t forget Ashwin outside India is quality. I have always said that Ashwin should have played more outside India,” Kumble reacted, while speaking in commentary. “The amount of wickets Ashwin and Jadeja have produced in India, they should have been the first pick outside India.”
Legendary Indian Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar extended his heartfelt congratulations to India's spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin for a monumental achievement in Test cricket — completing the milestone of 500 wickets. In a tribute to Ashwin's exceptional talent, Tendulkar lauded him, stating that within the name "AshWIN the SpinNER," there was always a "WINNER."
During the initial phase of his Test career, Ravichandran Ashwin patiently bided his time on the sidelines while Harbhajan Singh held the mantle as India's primary off-spinner. However, as Ashwin honed his skills and refined his craft, the tides turned in his favor. Emulating the prowess of his predecessor, he became a formidable force, particularly on home turf, where he consistently dismantled opposition batting line-ups. With an impressive tally of 34 five-wicket hauls and 8 ten-wicket hauls in Test cricket, Ashwin's journey from understudy to match-winner is a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Ashwin's cricketing journey is as diverse as his skill set. Originally starting out as a top-order batsman, his innate talent and dedication led him to explore various facets of the game.
Despite experimenting with medium pace bowling, a back injury during his formative years nudged him towards the off-spinning role. However, his batting prowess remained undiminished, evidenced by his impressive tally of 3,308 runs in Test cricket, which includes five centuries.
This transformation from a promising batter to a dynamic all-rounder highlights Ashwin's adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity.
In the aftermath of the illustrious reigns of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin faced the daunting task of stepping into their formidable shoes. However, with unwavering consistency and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Ashwin not only embraced the challenge but also carved out his own legacy in the annals of Indian cricket. His remarkable achievements stand as a testament to his ability to thrive under pressure and uphold the rich tradition of spin bowling for his nation.
Fastest to 500 Test wickets:
Mutthiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) in 87 matches
Ravichandran Ashwin (India) in 98 matches
Anil Kumble (India) in 105 matches
Shane Warne (Australia) in 108 matches
Glenn McGrath (Australia) in 110 matches
Courtney Walsh (West Indies) in 129 matches
James Anderson (England) in 129 matches
Stuart Broad (England) in 140 matches
Adding another feather to his cap, Ashwin joins an elite club as only the third off-spinner to accomplish this remarkable feat. Despite this, he remains second only to the legendary Anil Kumble in India's pantheon of wicket-takers, with Kumble's tally of 619 scalps standing as a testament to his unparalleled greatness. Ashwin's consistency and prowess with the ball have solidified his status as a stalwart of Indian cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.
In the ongoing third Test clash between India and England at Rajkot, Day 1 saw India laying a solid foundation with a score of 326/5.
On Day 2, they continued their dominance by amassing a total of 445 runs in their first innings. The highlight of India's innings was the splendid centuries from skipper Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, supported by valuable contributions from debutant Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah.
England, in response, faced an uphill task after conceding a significant first-innings lead of 445 runs. Despite a strong start, with Ben Duckett notching up his third Test century, England found themselves trailing by 238 runs at the end of Day 2.
Duckett and Joe Root set to resume their innings on Day 3. Mark Wood led the English bowling attack, claiming four wickets, while Rehan Ahmed took two, and James Anderson, Tom Hartley, and Joe Root chipped in with one wicket each. As the game progresses, all eyes are on how England's batting duo navigates the formidable Indian bowling attack on the crucial Day 3.
Ben Duckett's crucial century:
In a remarkable display of batting prowess, England's Ben Duckett notched up his third Test century in just 88 balls, cementing his place as the third fastest overseas player to achieve this feat on Indian soil. Duckett's breathtaking innings also marked the fastest Test century for England against India, eclipsing Graham Gooch's record of a 95-ball century at Lord's back in 1990. His aggressive yet composed approach to batting showcased his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and make a significant impact on the game.
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