Ravichandran Ashwin, the name synonymous with guile, control, and a bagful of tricks, has etched his name into the history books. On Day 2 of the 3rd Test between India and England, Ashwin dismissed Zak Crawley, his 500th victim in Test cricket, joining an exclusive club of bowling greats.
Ravichandran Ashwin becomes 2nd Indian to take 500 test wickets
Joining an elite club, Ashwin became only the second bowler in history (after Muralitharan) to capture 500 Test wickets in fewer than 100 matches.
He wasn’t just fast, he was shattering records. Ashwin holds the title for the fastest bowler to reach 250, 300, and even 500 Test wickets, exceeding other greats like Muralitharan himself at certain milestones. His dedication and skill propelled him to 500 wickets in just 89 matches, highlighting his relentless pursuit of excellence on the field.
HIGHEST WICKET-TAKERS IN TEST CRICKET
As you can see, Muttiah Muralitharan is the leading wicket-taker with a staggering 800 wickets, followed by Shane Warne with 708 wickets. James Anderson is the highest active wicket-taker on the list with 695 wickets, while R Ashwin is the latest entrant into the elite club of 500 Test wickets.
| Rank | Bowler | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 800 |
| 2 | Shane Warne | 708 |
| 3 | James Anderson | 695 |
| 4 | Anil Kumble | 619 |
| 5 | Stuart Broad | 604 |
| 6 | Glenn McGrath | 563 |
| 7 | Courtney Walsh | 519 |
| 8 | Nathan Lyon | 517 |
| 9 | R Ashwin | 500 |
But Ashwin is more than just a wicket-taker. He has evolved into a crucial cog in the Indian bowling attack, his experience and strategic nous proving invaluable. He has often taken control in crucial moments, turning the tide of matches with his spin artistry.
𝐀𝐬𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 😎🔥
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) February 16, 2024
Ashwin becomes the second Indian to reach 500 wickets in men's Tests 👏 pic.twitter.com/KYHwfNhdh9
This achievement is not just a personal milestone for Ashwin; it’s a moment of pride for Indian cricket. He becomes the second Indian spinner, after the legendary Anil Kumble, to enter the 500-wicket club. His success inspires a new generation of spinners and cements his place among the finest spinners India has ever produced.
Ravi Ashwin is the fastest Indian in Test cricket to:
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 16, 2024
50 wickets, 100 wickets, 150 wickets, 200 wickets, 250 wickets, 300 wickets, 350 wickets, 400 wickets, 450 wickets and now 500 wickets. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/94OzYGang8
As Ashwin continues his journey, the question arises: where does he stand among the all-time greats? His impressive numbers, coupled with his ability to perform across diverse conditions, put him in the conversation. Only time will tell how high he climbs, but one thing is certain: his name will forever be etched in the annals of Test cricket history.
