A THINKING ALL-ROUNDER WHO CONTINUES TO ASTONISH!

India’s star offie Ravi Ashwin is closing in on the big record of Anil Kumble’s Test wickets as India and Bangladesh battle it out in the second Test of the current series. On day 1 of the Kanpur Test , Ashwin crossed Kumble’s tally of most wickets in Asia by any Indian bowler. Earlier, in the first Test at Chennai, the 38-year-old spinning all rounder showcased his enduring class in India’s overwhelming victory over Bangladesh. With his match-winning performance, Ashwin once again proved that he is not just an elite bowler, but a genuine all-rounder whose versatility has made him one of India’s most invaluable assets in Test cricket.

From the beginning of his international career, Ashwin has been a force to be reckoned with in the spin department. In the first Test, Ashwin was at his vintage best, weaving webs around the opposition’s batsmen with his deadly variations picking up 6 wickets in the second innings to lead India to an easy win. His flight, drift, and sharp turn were on full display which often left the opposition struggling for answers.

What truly set Ashwin apart in the first test, however, was not just his spin bowling but his exceptional contribution with the bat. With India reeling at 144 for 6 in the first innings, Ashwin stepped up, hitting a century that stabilized the innings. His composure under pressure and tactical understanding of the game along with his brilliant partnership with Ravindra Jadeja helped India post a healthy, competitive total. For years, Ashwin’s class and application at the crease have allowed India to lengthen their batting lineup, giving the team an additional weapon in their arsenal. Moreover, his vital contributions in the lower order have often been the difference between a competitive score and a match-winning one.

One of the most impressive aspects of Ashwin’s career has been his ability to evolve. Early in his career, he was seen as a bowler who thrived on turning tracks, but over time, he has honed his craft to become effective in all conditions. Whether it’s in the subcontinent, where pitches traditionally favour spinners, or in pace friendly overseas environments, Ashwin has evolved variations and bowling strategies to stay relevant. His adaptability and versatility are a strong testament to his cricketing intelligence and his insatiable hunger to keep improving.

Now, the key debate surrounding Ashwin is whether he can surpass Anil Kumble’s legendary Test wicket tally. Kumble, with 619 wickets, is the highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket. Ashwin currently sits just over the 500-wicket mark, and at 38 he is not the youngest cricketer around. But with his form showing no signs of waning, experts believe that surpassing Kumble is not out of the question.

Ashwin’s consistency and match-winning ability put him in the same league as India’s finest spinners, and if he continues to play for a few more years, he might well end up as India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. But what stands in his way are the away series that India is slated to play over the course of the next one year. After Bangladesh and New Zealand series at home, India has away series in Australia at the end of this year and England in the middle of next year.

In overseas conditions, India has generally preferred to play Jadeja ahead of Ashwin in recent years,. In such a scenario, Ashwin has a handful of Tests in the next couple of years to go beyond Kumble’s tally. But if he is available till 2027 beginning, he will get the opportunity to play a 5-match test series against Australia. If he can maintain his fitness and drive, the next few years could well witness Ashwin rewriting the record books in a big way!

Irrespective of what further feats he is able to summon in the future, Ashwin’s legacy in Indian cricket is already secure. He has been critical to many historic wins, both at home and abroad. As he continues to defy age and remain a critical part of India’s Test setup, Ashwin’s place in cricket history becomes more prominent. Should he surpass Kumble’s wicket tally, it would only cement his status as one of the greatest spinners to have ever played the game.

Beyond the numbers, however, it is Ashwin’s influence on matches, his intelligence on the field, and his remarkable adaptability that make him one of the most invaluable players in India’s cricketing history. As the debate around his legacy continues, one thing remains clear: Ravichandran Ashwin is not done yet. With many more match-winning performances left in him, Ashwin’s journey towards exceptional greatness remains truly inspiring!

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry