Australia spinner Nathan Lyon and India’s PM Narendra Modi extend heartfelt congratulations to R Ashwin on 500 Test wickets

In a historic moment for Indian cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name into the annals of the game by becoming only the second Indian and the ninth bowler globally to achieve the remarkable feat of 500 wickets in Test cricket. The Tamil Nadu maestro achieved this milestone during the third Test of the India-England series, drawing accolades from cricketing legends and even catching the attention of Australia’s ace spinner, Nathan Lyon, and India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

Congratulatory messages pour in as Ravichandran Ashwin claims his 500th Test wicket

The cricketing fraternity erupted with messages of congratulations as Ashwin claimed his 500th Test wicket, dismissing Zak Crawley in the process. Cricket icons such as Sachin Tendulkar, Shikhar Dhawan, and Gautam Gambhir, as well as acclaimed actor Dhanush, showered praise on the spinner. However, it was the special wishes from Lyon and Prime Minister Modi that added an extra layer of significance to Ashwin’s achievement.

A dual distinction: Second Indian and second fastest to 500 wickets

Ashwin, following in the footsteps of Anil Kumble, stands as only the second Indian bowler to reach the coveted 500-wicket mark in Test cricket. Impressively, he also holds the distinction of being the second-fastest bowler in the world to achieve this remarkable feat.

A special message from Australia’s ace spinner Nathan Lyon

Lyon, who entered the 500-wicket club himself against Pakistan in December the previous year, shared a heartfelt video message for Ashwin, welcoming him to this elite group.

“Hi Ash, just wanted to say, massive congratulations for taking 500 Test match wickets. It’s been an incredible journey to watch. I have got nothing but respect for the way you have gone about it. It’s been amazing to be competing against you, but also learn from you. Congratulations and plenty more to come,” said Lyon.

Congratulation to @ashwinravi99 on achieving the 500 Test wicket milestone. Many more to come. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/XANzv1Lcn7

— Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) February 16, 2024

Also READ: Twitter mocks Joe Root after his weird dismissal against Jasprit Bumrah in Rajkot Test

Narendra Modi’s best wishes: A special touch from India’s Prime Minister

Adding a touch of statesmanship to the celebration, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took a moment to congratulate Ashwin on his monumental achievement. In a tweet, Modi not only acknowledged the spinner’s accomplishment but also wished him continued success in reaching even greater heights in the future.

Congratulations to Ravichandran Ashwin on the extraordinary milestone of taking 500 Test wickets! His journey and accomplishments are testament to his skill and perseverance. My best wishes to him as he scales further peaks. @ashwinravi99

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 16, 2024

Graeme Swann’s “professor of spin” praise for Ashwin

Apart from Lyon and Modi, former English spinner Graeme Swann also lauded Ashwin’s continual efforts to enhance his bowling repertoire and explore new techniques, describing, “It’s very difficult for people but not Ashwin. His character demands that. He is a student of the game… like a professor of spin bowling.”

Ashwin’s hasty departure from Rajkot Test amidst celebration

Amidst the jubilation, Ashwin had to leave the Rajkot Test abruptly due to a family emergency as his mother was hospitalized due to health issues.

Also READ:  R Ashwin withdraws from Rajkot Test; rushes home to be with his mother