Ravichandran Ashwin put on a masterclass in both batting and bowling during the recently concluded Test series against Bangladesh, reaffirming his status as one of India‘s most reliable all-rounders. His performances across both matches were instrumental in securing comfortable victories for India in Chennai and Kanpur. With that Ashwin set a new milestone in his illustrious career, equaling a record long held by the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan for 17 years.
Ravichandran Ashwin: Dominance with bat and ball
Ashwin’s contributions were crucial in all departments. In the first Test at Chennai, he was the standout performer, taking six wickets and scoring an extraordinary century when India found themselves in deep trouble at 144/6. His partnership of 199 runs with fellow all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was a pivotal moment that helped India recover and set up a commanding position. Ashwin’s century was not just about runs; it showcased his temperament and ability to bat under pressure, turning a tricky situation into a winning one. His six wickets in the second innings were the final nail in the coffin for Bangladesh, ensuring a dominant victory for India at his home ground.
In the second Test in Kanpur, Ashwin once again proved his mettle, picking up five wickets across both innings. He bowled with guile and precision, outfoxing the Bangladesh batters with subtle variations in pace and flight. His relentless consistency throughout the series saw him finish as the joint-highest wicket-taker, sharing the accolade with India’s premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. The Chennai-born cricketer’s all-round brilliance highlighted his unmatched ability to impact the game with both bat and ball.
Matching Muttiah Muralitharan’s long-standing world record
Ashwin’s all-round excellence earned him his 11th Player of the Series (POS) award in Test cricket, a feat that has placed him on par with Muttiah Muralitharan, who had held the record for the most POS awards. Achieving this in just 42 Test series, compared to Muralitharan’s 61, underscores Ashwin’s consistency and match-winning abilities over the years. Muralitharan last time won the Player of the Series award in the longest format was against Bangladesh in 2007.
Ashwin has now left behind cricketing greats like Jacques Kallis, who won the award nine times, further cementing Ashwin’s legacy as one of the finest all-rounders in Test history. Moreover, the 38-year-old’s tally of 10 Player of the Match awards further exemplifies his match-defining capabilities. Whether it’s rescuing the team with the bat or dismantling the opposition with his off-spin, Ashwin has been a key figure in India’s dominance in Test cricket for over a decade.
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Crucial role in upcoming series
Ashwin’s form could not have come at a better time as India prepares for two crucial Test series against New Zealand and Australia. With New Zealand set to visit for a three-match Test series starting on October 16 in Bangalore, Ashwin’s presence adds immense value to the team. His ability to exploit even the slightest hint of turn on Indian pitches makes him a formidable force, and his batting contributions lower down the order provide India with an added layer of security.
Following the series against New Zealand, India will face Australia in what promises to be a blockbuster tour. As the subcontinent’s conditions often favor spinners, Ashwin will once again be expected to lead India’s charge with the ball. His performances in these upcoming series will likely determine how India fares as they close out the year, and with the World Test Championship (WTC) final looming on the horizon, Ashwin’s form will be critical to India’s success.
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