R Ashwin becomes only the second Indian bowler to take 500 Test wickets | India vs England

Ravichandran Ashwin's cricket journey has been marked by exceptional milestones, and his latest achievement cements his legacy as one of the game's greats. The seasoned off-spinner has joined the ranks of cricketing legends by becoming the second Indian, following Anil Kumble, to amass 500 wickets in Test cricket. This remarkable feat was accomplished during a match against England, with Zak Crawley's wicket marking the historic moment. Ashwin, known for his cunning bowling, induced a top-edge from Crawley that was expertly caught by Rajat Patidar.

Ashwin's prowess against England is unmatched, as he now boasts of 97 wickets against the team, making Crawley his latest conquest. In the last Test in Vizag, he surpassed the record of BS Chandrasekhar, another legendary Indian leg-spinner, who secured 95 wickets against England. Ashwin's journey to this milestone has been a testament to his skill and consistency, reaching 500 wickets in just his 98th Test match, positioning him as the second-fastest bowler to reach this landmark, following closely behind the legendary Muttiah Muralidaran who achieved it in 87 matches.

Furthermore, Ashwin's achievement places him ahead of Anil Kumble, who needed 105 Tests to reach the 500-wicket milestone. In terms of deliveries bowled, Ashwin is also the second-fastest, trailing behind Australian great Glenn McGrath, who reached 500 wickets in 25,528 balls, with Ashwin achieving the milestone with his 25,714th delivery.

Ashwin's historic accomplishment not only highlights his individual brilliance but also his crucial role in shaping India's cricketing narrative. His journey from a promising talent to a cricketing icon is a story of perseverance, skill, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As he continues to weave his legacy, Ashwin's 500th Test wicket stands as a monumental testament to his enduring impact on the world of cricket.

Ishan Kishan remains absent from Ranji Trophy, not part of Jharkhand's final round match