Ravichandran Ashwin Spins His Way | Ind vs Eng 4th Test 2024
Ravichandran Ashwin, the spin maestro, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by surpassing the legendary Anil Kumble in Test wickets on Indian soil. With a staggering tally of 354 wickets, Ashwin now stands as the highest wicket-taker in Tests in India, eclipsing Kumble’s previous record of 350 wickets. This remarkable feat cements Ashwin’s stature as one of the most prolific bowlers to have graced the sport.
Five-Wicket Haul Galore
Ashwin‘s dominance with the ball extends beyond mere numbers. With 35 five-wicket hauls to his credit, he now shares the prestigious title of the most five-fors by an Indian bowler with none other than Anil Kumble himself. This achievement places Ashwin in elite company, alongside bowling luminaries such as Muthiah Muralidaran, Shane Warne, and Richard Hadlee, who boast higher tallies globally.
Mastering Home Conditions
Ashwin’s mastery is particularly evident in home conditions, where he has bamboozled batsmen with his guile and precision. His record of 27 five-wicket hauls in home Tests cements his status as a colossus in familiar surroundings, second only to the incomparable Muthiah Muralidaran. Ashwin’s ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances on home turf underscores his indispensability to the Indian cricket team.
Opening the Bowling with Panache
Not content with confining his brilliance to the middle overs, Ashwin has displayed his prowess even while opening the bowling for India. With 16 five-wicket hauls in such instances, he has proven to be a potent threat right from the onset. His remarkable average of 19.09 in 51 innings where he opened the bowling underscores his versatility and adaptability as a premier spinner.
Ashwin’s English Affair
Ashwin’s dominance isn’t limited to subcontinental conditions alone. His exploits against England, in particular, stand out, with a staggering tally of 91 wickets against the Englishmen on home soil. Surpassing the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Ashwin’s ability to dismantle English batting line-ups has been instrumental in India’s success against their perennial rivals.
Third-Innings Specialist
In the crucible of Test cricket, where matches are often won or lost in the third innings, Ashwin has emerged as a specialist. His tally of 12 five-wicket hauls in the third innings of a Test match places him in esteemed company, alongside the likes of Muthiah Muralidaran, Anil Kumble, and Shane Warne. Notably, four of Ashwin’s 12 five-furs in the third innings have come after India conceded a first-innings lead, highlighting his penchant for delivering under pressure.
Age No Bar for Ashwin
At 37 years and 159 days, Ashwin continues to defy age and conventional wisdom. With each passing year, he seems to only grow in stature, breaking records and shattering stereotypes. His recent exploits in the Ranchi Test further solidify his status as a timeless virtuoso, second only to the venerable Vinoo Mankad in terms of age while claiming a five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
A Five-for at Every Turn
Ashwin’s ability to weave his magic transcends geographical boundaries, as evidenced by his five-wicket hauls across 12 different venues in India. With Ranchi becoming the latest addition to his illustrious list, Ashwin now boasts five-fors at 12 out of the 16 grounds he has played Test cricket on home soil. Such versatility and adaptability underscore Ashwin’s status as a true champion of the game.
Final Word:
In conclusion, Ravichandran Ashwin’s ascent to the summit of Test wicket-takers on Indian soil is a testament to his unparalleled skill, unwavering determination, and insatiable hunger for success. As he continues to rewrite the record books and etch his name in cricketing folklore, one thing remains abundantly clear – Ashwin’s legacy is set to endure for generations to come.
