R Ashwin on the Verge of History: 6 Records to Break in Kanpur Test

Ravichandran Ashwin (R Ashwin) known for his all-round excellence, once again proved his worth with both the bat and ball, leading India to a dominant 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test. At 38, Ashwin scored his sixth Test century (113 runs) and picked up six wickets in the second innings. This stellar performance brought him level with the legendary Shane Warne, tying for the second-most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket history. As the second Test in Kanpur approaches, Ashwin stands at the doorstep of several major records.

Let’s look at these key milestones that can achieved by R Ashwin in the Kanpur Test

1. First Indian to Take 100 Wickets in the Fourth Innings of Tests

R Ashwin has already secured his place as the top wicket-taker in the fourth innings among Indian bowlers. With just one more wicket in the final innings, he will become the first Indian, and only the sixth bowler in Test cricket history, to claim 100 wickets in the fourth innings. His ability to thrive under pressure in the final innings, when pitches typically break down, makes this potential achievement even more impressive.

2. Most Wickets in India vs Bangladesh Test Matches

R Ashwin’s dominance extends to Test matches between India and Bangladesh. He needs only three more wickets to surpass Zaheer Khan’s tally of 31 wickets and claim the title of the highest wicket-taker in India vs Bangladesh Tests. His clever variations and spin mastery have made him a consistent threat to Bangladesh’s batting lineup, especially in subcontinent conditions.

3. Leading Wicket-Taker in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 Cycle

With just four more wickets, R Ashwin will reach 52 wickets in the current WTC cycle, surpassing Australia’s Josh Hazlewood to become the leading wicket-taker in this ongoing championship. His contributions to India’s WTC campaign have been invaluable, with his relentless bowling helping India maintain dominance in Test cricket.

4. Second-Highest Number of Five-Wicket Hauls in Test Cricket

R Ashwin is currently tied with Shane Warne for the second-most five-wicket hauls in Test history, with both sitting at 37 five-fors. One more five-wicket haul will see Ashwin take sole possession of the second spot, behind only Muttiah Muralitharan, who has 67. Achieving this would be a testament to Ashwin’s consistency and ability to turn games in India’s favour.

5. Highest Wicket-Taker in World Test Championship History

In the history of the WTC, R Ashwin is currently second on the all-time wicket-taker list, with 180 wickets to his name. He is just eight wickets away from overtaking Australia’s Nathan Lyon, who holds the top spot with 187 wickets. Given Ashwin’s current form, it seems likely that he will soon claim this prestigious record.

6. Seventh-Highest Wicket-Taker in Test Cricket History

R Ashwin currently has 522 wickets in Test cricket, putting him close to breaking into the top seven all-time wicket-takers. With just nine more wickets, Ashwin will surpass Nathan Lyon’s tally of 530 and secure the seventh spot. Joining this elite group of bowlers would further solidify Ashwin’s place among the greatest to ever play the game.

A Legacy in the Making

As the second Test between India and Bangladesh kicks off on Friday, September 27, all eyes will be on R Ashwin. With several records within his grasp, Ashwin’s performances in Kanpur could see him carve his name even deeper into the record books. From his unique ability to read the game to his skillful bowling variations, Ashwin’s journey as one of India’s greatest cricketers continues to unfold.

Whether it’s his spin magic or batting resilience, Ashwin’s contributions are pivotal to Indian cricket. As he stands on the verge of these six remarkable records, his legacy continues to grow, cementing his place as one of the game’s all-time greats.

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