Watch: R Ashwin downplays upcoming 100th Test milestone, says 'daughters are more excited' than him

As the fifth and final Test against England is set to commence at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, R Ashwin is poised to join the ranks of Indian cricket legends. He is on the brink of becoming the 14th player from India to participate in 100 Test matches, aligning his name with iconic figures like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. Meanwhile, England's Jonny Bairstow is also gearing up to mark his entry as the 17th player from his country to reach the century mark in Tests, a milestone he regards as significantly meaningful.

However, Ashwin, in a recent interaction with the press, conveyed a markedly different sentiment regarding his upcoming 100th Test appearance. The accomplished off-spinner articulated a disinterest in milestones and numerical achievements, highlighting a personal inclination to overlook the numbers. "I actually don't value numbers. It doesn't mean anything to me," Ashwin remarked, signaling a modest outlook towards his imminent accomplishment.

What's notable, according to Ashwin, is the emotional weight this milestone carries for his family. He mentioned, "The 100th Test match I think means at least 10 to 100 times more to my dad than it does to me. It probably means a lot more to my wife than it does to me and to my mum. So, in fact, my daughters are more excited than I am for this game." This declaration underscores the familial pride and joy associated with Ashwin's career milestone, contrasting with his personal detachment from the numerical aspect of the game.

Despite downplaying the personal significance of his 100th Test match, Ashwin did acknowledge its broader implications, especially as an emblem of achievement for individuals hailing from his region. He reflected on the milestone as a testament to his journey and its potential to inspire others from his background.

Ashwin's achievements on the field continue to speak volumes, with the spinner matching Anil Kumble's record for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian in Test matches during the fourth Test in Ranchi. His performance was instrumental in India's victory, leading to a 3-1 series lead over England.

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