India’s star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to make history in the upcoming Test match against Bangladesh at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium. With the second match of the series ahead, Ashwin has a golden opportunity to achieve some significant milestones. After India’s commanding win in the first Test, this match could see Ashwin break not one but six major records. Let’s break down what’s at stake for him in this crucial game.
Ashwin’s Race to 100 Wickets in the Fourth Innings
One of the biggest achievements Ashwin is chasing is to become the first Indian bowler to claim 100 wickets in the fourth innings of a Test match. Currently, Ashwin is at 99 fourth-innings wickets, and with just one more wicket in Kanpur, he will create history. No other Indian bowler has reached this milestone before, making it a significant moment for the off-spinner.
Player of the Series: A Magical 11th Award Awaits
Ashwin is also eyeing his 11th Player of the Series award in Test cricket, a record that would put him in a tie with Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan. Ashwin has already won this award 10 times in his Test career, more than any other Indian cricketer. If he performs well in Kanpur, either with bat or ball, and secures the Player of the Series title, it will add another feather to his already illustrious career.
Most Wickets Against Bangladesh
Another record in Ashwin’s sights is becoming the bowler with the most Test wickets against Bangladesh. Currently, Zaheer Khan holds this record with 31 wickets. Ashwin, who is already close, can easily surpass this number in the Kanpur Test, making him the most successful Indian bowler against Bangladesh in Test cricket.
Chasing the Top Spot in the World Test Championship
Ashwin is also competing to become the highest wicket-taker in the World Test Championship (WTC). Right now, Josh Hazlewood of Australia holds the top spot with 51 wickets. With a few strong performances, Ashwin could overtake Hazlewood and claim the crown as the leading wicket-taker in this prestigious tournament.
Surpassing Shane Warne in Five-Wicket Hauls
Ashwin currently has 37 five-wicket hauls to his name, putting him on par with some of the game’s greats. If he manages to take five wickets in a single innings during the Kanpur Test, he will surpass legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne, who had 37 five-wicket hauls during his career. This would be a significant achievement for Ashwin, solidifying his place as one of the greatest off-spinners in cricket history.
The Battle with Nathan Lyon
Lastly, if Ashwin takes 9 or more wickets in the Kanpur Test, he will surpass Australian spinner Nathan Lyon to become the off-spinner with the most Test wickets in the current era. Lyon has been one of the most successful spinners in recent years, but Ashwin is hot on his heels. This record would further cement Ashwin’s legacy as one of the finest bowlers in modern cricket.
As the second Test in Kanpur approaches, all eyes will be on Ashwin as he looks to make history and add more accolades to his remarkable career. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, not just for Team India, but also for Ashwin as he chases these significant milestones.
