Ravichandran Ashwin, aged 38, is known as India’s most reliable & prominent test spinner. One of this generation’s finest cricketers stands on the verge of creating history in this cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC). As India faces Bangladesh in the Kanpur Test, Ashwin has a golden opportunity to make a name for himself and get into the WTC record books.
The veteran bowler, known for his grip, sharp mind, and ideal skills, is closing in on becoming the most successful bowler in the history of the World Test Championship, and fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to witness yet another feather to his cap in his illustrious career.
Let us take a walk down memory lane and learn some interesting facts and stats about R Ashwin.
Ashwin’s Journey: A Master of All Conditions
His journey in international cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. He debuted on 06th Nov 2011 against West Indies, where he ended up taking 3/81 in the first innings, and 6/47 in the second. Quickly establishing himself as a reliable spinner, capable of outsmarting the best batsmen in the world.
Over the years, Ashwin went from being just a traditional off-spinner to a multi-faceted bowler. Mastering variations such as the carrom ball. Which he made equally adaptive and effective at home as well as overseas conditions.
With 522* Test wickets to his name, he has proven time and again that Ashwin is more than just a bowler suited to sub-continental pitches. His success in countries like Australia and England has solidified his position as a modern-day great, and his ability to adapt to different surfaces and conditions has made him a key in India’s bowling attack.
WTC and Ashwin’s Dominance
The introduction of the World Test Championship in 2019 created a major history in world cricket, as it was the first time that test cricket had such a massive competitive trophy to its name, apart from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This gave test cricket a new look and motivated players to perform better. This gave Ashwin the boost and the WTC became a platform to showcase his mastery in the longest format of the game.
During the inaugural WTC cycle, which spanned from 2019 to 2021, Ashwin played an important role in India’s march to the final. He ended the cycle as the second-highest wicket-taker, with 71 test wickets in 14 matches. His performances were crucial in helping India qualify for the final, where they eventually faced New Zealand. Despite India’s defeat in the final, Ashwin’s contributions throughout the tournament did not go unnoticed.
As the current WTC cycle (2023-2025) progresses, Ashwin continues to be a force to be believed in. His ability to take test wickets consistently, especially in crucial moments of the game, has kept India in the hunt for another shot at the WTC title. In the ongoing Kanpur Test against Bangladesh, Ashwin finds himself on the brink of becoming the highest wicket-taker in the WTC, a testament to his ever-known brilliance.
Approaching WTC History
Ashwin’s upcoming milestone is a reflection of his remarkable consistency and agility in Test cricket. As of the start of the Kanpur Test, Ashwin is just a few wickets away from surpassing Australia’s Nathon Layon as the leading wicket-taker in the history of the WTC. Layon, who has been a standout performer for Australia, currently holds the top spot with 187 wickets, but Ashwin is closing in fast.
The significance of this achievement cannot be undervalued. Leading the wicket-taking charts in a prestigious competition like the WTC would further cement Ashwin’s legacy as one of the all-time greats of the game. It would also highlight his ability to perform under pressure, as every WTC match carries immense importance in the race for qualification to the final.
Kanpur: A Familiar Ground
Kanpur’s GreenPark Stadium holds a special place in Ashwin’s career. The off-spinner has enjoyed considerable success at this venue, and the conditions are expected to suit his style of bowling. Historically, the Kanpur pitch has been favorable to spin, and Ashwin’s ability to extract turn and bounce could make him a major threat to the Bangladeshi batting lineup.
In the past, Ashwin has delivered some of his best performances on Indian soil, particularly in venues like Kanpur, where the pitch tends to break up as the game progresses. As the match wears on, Ashwin’s role will become even more critical, especially when it comes to breaking partnerships and putting pressure on the opposition.
A Complete Cricketer
While Ashwin’s bowling often grabs the headlines, it is important to note that he is a complete cricketer. His contributions with the bat have been invaluable for India over the years, especially in live Test cricket. With five Test centuries to his name, Ashwin is more than capable of holding his own with the bat and has played several crucial innings for India in tough situations.
A prime example would be the first test match against Bangladesh, where the first 5 wickets fell in hours. He and Jadeja cemented India’s position in the match, with yet another century to his name.
In the context of the Kanpur Test and the broader WTC campaign, Ashwin’s all-round ability could prove to be a decisive factor. His ability to contribute in both departments adds depth to India’s lineup and gives Rohit Sharma flexibility in terms of team composition and strategy.
The Bigger Picture: India’s WTC Campaign
India’s WTC journey in the current cycle has been marked by impressive performances, but they are well aware that every match is critical in their pursuit of a spot in the final. With a tough series against Australia – Border- Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon, India will be looking to secure maximum points in the home series against Bangladesh.
Ashwin’s form is crucial to India’s chances not only in the Kanpur Test but also in the matches that follow. His ability to take wickets consistently in all conditions gives India an edge, especially in a format like the WTC where every match result has a direct impact on the standings.
Will Ashwin Create History or Will Rain Play its Game?
Ravichandran Ashwin is on the brink of making WTC history in Kanpur, and the cricketing world is watching closely. As the series progresses, the second day in Kanpur hasn’t started yet, due to the wet outfield. His journey from being a promising off-spinner to becoming one of the finest bowlers in Test cricket has been remarkable. Whether or not he achieves this milestone in Kanpur, Ashwin’s legacy is already secure. However, the prospect of him breaking yet another record adds to the excitement surrounding the India-Bangladesh Test series. All eyes are on Kanpur as Ashwin prepares to make history.
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