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India‘s cricket team recently showcased a remarkable performance against Bangladesh in the first Test match held in Chennai, securing a dominant victory. The standout player of the match was none other than Ravichandran Ashwin, whose exceptional skills with both bat and ball were pivotal to India’s success. Ashwin’s impressive tally of six wickets combined with a stellar century of 113 runs off just 133 balls not only led India to victory but also etched his name in the annals of cricket history.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s historic achievement
This match marked a significant milestone for Ashwin, as it was the fourth instance in his career where he scored a century and claimed five wickets in the same Test match. This unique feat placed him alongside cricketing legends, with only Ian Botham having accomplished this more frequently, achieving it five times throughout his illustrious career. Ashwin’s ability to perform at such high levels with both bat and ball underscores his status as one of the premier all-rounders in modern cricket.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli bows down to Ravichandran Ashwin during Chennai Test
Three previous instances of all-round brilliance from Ashwin
India vs England (February, 2021)
The last time Ashwin achieved this remarkable double was during the second Test against England in Chennai. In that match, India set a solid first-innings total of 329 runs. Ashwin then dismantled the English batting lineup, claiming five wickets for just 43 runs. His notable scalps included key players like Dom Sibley and Ben Stokes. In the second innings, after a modest score of 13 in the first, Ashwin struck back with a commanding 106 runs, contributing significantly to India’s total of 286 runs and helping secure a resounding victory by 317 runs.
West Indies vs India (July, 2016)
Another memorable performance came during India’s tour of West Indies in 2016. In the opening Test match, Ashwin played a crucial role as India triumphed by an innings and 92 runs. Following Virat Kohli‘s double century, Ashwin contributed a solid 113 runs from 253 balls, propelling India to a formidable total of 566/8. With the ball, he showcased his prowess by taking seven wickets for 83 runs in the follow-on innings, further establishing India’s dominance in that series.
India vs West Indies (November, 2011)
Ashwin first achieved this extraordinary feat against West Indies during their tour of India in 2011. In a high-scoring encounter where West Indies amassed an impressive 590 runs in their first innings, Ashwin’s bowling figures stood out at five wickets for 156 runs. Despite conceding runs, he took crucial wickets that kept India in contention. Subsequently, he scored an important century with 103 runs off 118 balls, helping India reach a total of 482. His all-round performance was pivotal as he took four more wickets for just 34 runs in the second innings, leading to a drawn match that felt like a victory for India given the circumstances.
The Legacy of Ashwin
Ashwin’s ability to excel with both bat and ball has not only earned him accolades but has also solidified his place among cricket’s elite all-rounders. His recent performances against Bangladesh and previous matches highlight his versatility and skill set that make him an invaluable asset to the Indian cricket team. As he continues to break records and achieve milestones, cricket fans eagerly anticipate what more this extraordinary player will bring to the game in the future.
