Star Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin achieved another milestone in his glorious career on Monday as he became the third-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket. The 35-year-old accomplished the landmark by surpassing India legend Harbhajan Singh on the final day of the recently concluded first Test against New Zealand at Green Park in Kanpur.
Ashwin levelled the tally of wickets with Harbhajan when he dismissed New Zealand opener Will Young towards the end of the fourth day. The right-armer then removed Tom Latham to get his 418th Test scalp.
It all happened during the 55th over of New Zealand’s second innings when the Tamil Nadu cricketer bowled a quicker delivery that shattered the stumps of Latham. Ashwin picked up three scalps in the second innings.
Ashwin is the fourth Indian bowler to take more than 400 wickets in the red-ball format. He also became the 13th highest Test wicket-taker of all time. When it comes to the active Test cricketers, Ashwin is the third-highest wicket-taker after England’s Stuart Broad (524) and James Anderson (632).
Most wickets in Test cricket for India:
- 619 – Anil Kumble
- 434 – Kapil Dev
- 419 – Ravichandran Ashwin
- 417 – Harbhajan Singh
- 311 – Ishant Sharma
Harbhajan, who was pushed to the fourth spot by Ashwin, congratulated the Chennai-lad for reaching a special feat. The former India off-spinner took to Twitter and wished Ashwin to reach more landmarks in the longest format.
“Congratulations, @ashwinravi99 wish you many more, brother.. God bless.. keep shining,” tweeted Bhajji.
Congratulations @ashwinravi99 wish you many more brother.. God bless.. keep shining 👏👏
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 29, 2021
Further, Harbhajan also spoke about the comparisons with Ashwin and said he never believed in such things.
“Congratulations to @ashwinravi99 on his milestone. Wish he wins many more matches for the country. Never believed in comparisons. I did my best for the country during my time, and Ashwin has done his best during his,” Harbhajan told PTI.
