As Team India prepares for their final home Test series of 2024, a three-match showdown against New Zealand, star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to etch his name in cricketing history yet again. Fresh off a successful whitewash of Bangladesh, India is aiming for another dominant performance to strengthen their bid for a place in next year’s World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s.
During this series, Ashwin will have multiple opportunities to break significant records, solidifying his status as one of the greatest spinners of all time. Here’s a look at five milestones he could achieve against the Black Caps:
1. Most Wickets in World Test Championship (WTC)
Ashwin currently has 185 wickets in 37 WTC matches. Just three more dismissals will see him surpass Australian spinner Nathan Lyon’s record of 187 wickets in 43 matches, making Ashwin the leading wicket-taker in WTC history. This would be a monumental achievement, cementing his dominance in the modern Test format.
2. First to 200 Wickets in WTC
Should Ashwin take 15 wickets over the three-Test series, he will become the first bowler in the world to reach 200 wickets in the WTC. This milestone will further underline his consistent brilliance in the format, particularly as India continues its journey toward the WTC final.
3. Second-Most Five-Wicket Hauls in Tests
Ashwin has 37 five-wicket hauls in 102 Test matches, placing him among cricket’s elite bowlers. With just one more fifer, he will surpass legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne (37) and claim the second spot for the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Only Sri Lankan icon Muttiah Muralitharan (67) remains ahead of him on this list.
4. 7th Leading Wicket-Taker in Test Cricket
With 527 wickets in 102 Tests, Ashwin needs just four more dismissals to overtake Nathan Lyon’s 530 Test wickets and become the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket. This would place him alongside some of the game’s greatest bowlers and add another feather to his already illustrious cap.
5. Most Wickets on Indian Soil
Ashwin has taken 466 wickets across 128 international matches played in India. If he secures 11 more wickets in the series, he will surpass Anil Kumble’s record of 476 wickets on Indian soil. Achieving this feat would make Ashwin the top wicket-taker in India, further solidifying his legacy in home conditions.
Bonus Milestone: Most Player of the Series Awards in Tests
Ashwin is tied with Muttiah Muralitharan for the most Player of the Series awards in Test cricket, with both legends having won the honor 11 times. If Ashwin shines in this series and takes home the award, he will set a new record with 12 Player of the Series titles.
With these historic achievements within reach, the upcoming series against New Zealand could prove to be a landmark occasion in Ravichandran Ashwin’s storied career. As India looks to continue its dominance at home, Ashwin’s quest for records will undoubtedly be a focal point for fans and cricket pundits alike.
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