Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by becoming the Indian bowler with the most Test wickets in Asia. During the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, Ashwin claimed the wicket of Najmul Hossain Shanto, taking his tally to 420 wickets in Asia. This achievement saw him surpass the previous record held by Anil Kumble, who had 419 wickets in the continent.
Ashwin’s journey to this milestone has been marked by consistency and excellence. In 102 Test matches, he has amassed a staggering 523 wickets, with his performances in Asia standing out. By reaching 420 wickets, he joins an elite club of bowlers who have taken over 400 wickets in Asia.
The legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for the most Test wickets in Asia, with an impressive 612 wickets out of his overall 800 wicket haul in the continent. Ashwin and Anil Kumble are the only other bowlers to have taken more than 400 wickets in Asia.
Next on the list after Muralitharan, Ashwin, and Kumble is another Sri Lankan, Ranganath Herath, with 354 Test wickets in Asia. Following him is India’s Harbhajan Singh, with 300 wickets in Asia to his name.
Ashwin’s milestone is a testament to his skill, longevity, and resilience in the sport. His ability to spin the ball prodigiously and extract turn from even the flattest of pitches has made him a formidable force in Test cricket. His success in Asia, where pitches often favor spinners, highlights his adaptability and mastery of the craft.
This achievement is not only a personal triumph for Ashwin but also a proud moment for Indian cricket. It showcases the depth and talent of Indian spin bowling and reinforces India’s dominance in the Test format, especially in Asian conditions.
