Former Indian skipper, Kapil Dev, reacted over Ravichandran Ashwin’s achievement as the off-spinner became India’s second-highest wicket-taker in test cricket. With Charith Asalanka’s wicket in the second innings, Ashwin surpassed legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev in India’s leading wicket-takers tally. Kapil Dev had a total of 434 wickets in test cricket while Ashwin, now, has 436 wickets in the format.
Kapil Dev reacted over Ashwin’s achievement
The legendary Indian all-rounder, in an interview, heaped praises for Ashwin as he expressed his happiness for Ashwin’s achievement.
“It’s a great achievement especially from a guy who did not get enough opportunities in the recent past. Had he got those opportunities, he would have crossed 434 much earlier. I am happy for him; why should I hold it [the second position] from him? My time has passed.
Ashwin is a fabulous cricketer, an excellent and intelligent spinner. He should now target 500 Test scalps, which I am sure he will try and achieve. In fact, many more [wickets] than that.”
Former Indian Captain, Kapil Dev
After surpassing Kapil Dev, Ashwin is now just behind Anil Kumble. The former leg-spinner sits comfortably at the top position with 619 wickets. Unfortunately for Ashwin, he will have to settle with the second spot as the chances of him reaching closer to Kumble are bleak. Interestingly, Ashwin made a stupefying comment in 2017 about his competition with Kumble’s record. Ashwin said that he would stop playing cricket the day he reaches 618 international wickets. His comment glorified the respect Ashwin holds for Anil Kumble.
“I am a big fan of Anil Kumble and he has got 619 wickets and, if I get to 618 wickets, I will be very thankful too and, if I get to 618, that will be my last Test match”
Ravichandran Ashwin in 2017
Sachin Tendulkar shared a heartfelt post for the off-spinner
Apart from becoming India’s second-highest wicket-taker in test cricket, Ashwin entered the elusive list of top 10 wicket-takers in the ultimate format of the game. With 436 scalps, Ashwin is placed at the 9th position in the prestigious tally. Other than Kapil Dev, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, too, congratulated Ashwin on the social media platform, Twitter.
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With the heroics of Ravindra Jadeja, India secured a comfortable victory in the first test match of the series. After his dream debut as the Indian test captain, Rohit Sharma will lead India in their fourth day-night test match later this week. In their three pink ball tests so far, India have won two. Their only loss with the pink ball came against Australia in 2020 when India recorded their lowest test total of 36 all out.
