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| 500 Test Wickets: Ravichandran Ashwin's Enduring Legacy |
Renowned Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has left an indelible mark in the annals of cricket history, joining the esteemed company of only eight other bowlers worldwide, and becoming the second Indian, after the legendary Anil Kumble, to achieve the remarkable milestone of 500 Test wickets.
The Milestone:
On the second day of the ongoing India-England Test in Rajkot, Ashwin reached this historic feat by dismissing English opener Zak Crawley. His journey to 500 wickets has been nothing short of exceptional, accomplished in just 95 Tests, making him the fastest Indian bowler to achieve this landmark.
Elite Company:
By breaching the 500 wickets club, Ashwin now stands shoulder to shoulder with cricketing greats such as Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and Anil Kumble. He has surpassed illustrious fast bowlers like James Anderson, Glenn McGrath, Courtney Walsh, and Stuart Broad.
Home Dominance:
Ashwin's dominance is particularly evident on the spin-friendly pitches of India, where he has claimed a staggering 347 of his 500 wickets. His mastery over flight, drift, and sharp turn has consistently left opponents bewildered and underscores his prowess on subcontinental tracks.
The Journey:
Since his debut in 2011, Ashwin has emerged as India’s premier match-winner across various conditions. His early years with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL catapulted him into the limelight, showcasing his ability to bowl in the powerplay. Whether it's spinning tracks at home or challenging conditions abroad, Ashwin's astute variations have consistently delivered results.
Record-breaker:
In surpassing BS Chandrasekhar, Ashwin also became India’s leading wicket-taker against England in Test cricket. His impressive record includes 34 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket match hauls. Additionally, he joins the elite ranks of off-spinners alongside Muttiah Muralitharan and Nathan Lyon.