Phenomenal achievement! Ravichandran Ashwin lauded by former CSK teammate after 500-wicket milestone

Former Indian pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji heaped praise on Ravichandran Ashwin after he clinched his 500th Test wicket. Lakshmipathy Balaji said that Ravichandran Ashwin should be proud of himself.

Lakshmipathy Balaji and Ravichandran Ashwin played together in the past during their stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both Balaji and Ashwin were part of the CSK squad that won the trophy in IPL 2010.

Ashwin clocked his 500th wicket in the longest format after dismissing Zak Crawley in IND vs ENG 3rd Test. He became the 9th bowler in international cricket to achieve the feat. The right-arm spinner is also the only second Indian spinner to touch the 500-wicket mark in Tests.

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Phenomenal achievement: Lakshmipathy Balaji lauds Ravichandran Ashwin

During a conversation with MyKhel, former CSK star Lakshmipathy Balaji lauded Ravichandran Ashwin on his achievement. Balaji said it was a phenomenal achievement.

“It is a phenomenal achievement, and what Ashwin has done so far is brilliant. I’m sure he will go on to take many more wickets in future matches to come,” the CSK bowling coach said.

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You should be proud of yourself: Lakshmipathy Balaji

Lakshmipathy Balaji also added that Ravichandran Ashwin should be proud of himself for picking 500 wickets and playing 100 Tests for India.

“Everyone loves to play Test Cricket, and everyone wants to play the highest form of Cricket. When it comes to Test Cricket, donning those Test whites, having played nearly 100 Tests, and taking 500 wickets, you should be proud of yourself”, he further said.

“As a youngster, you started your career and chased your dreams to represent your country. Your sustainability is something very important in an international career. So it’s been a phenomenal career so far,” concluded Lakshmipathy Balaji, who played 8 Tests and 30 ODIs for India during his career.

Notably, Anil Kumble is the only other Indian bowler who has hunted more than 500 wickets in Tests. With 618 Test scalps, Kumble is the highest wicket-taker for India in the red-ball format. Off-spinner Ashwin also became the second-fastest bowler to grab 500 wickets in Tests across 98 Tests. Former Sri Lanka spinner Muttaiah Muralitharan is the fastest with 89 games.

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Ashwin leaves IND vs ENG 3rd Test due to family emergency

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin left the IND vs ENG 3rd Test midway due to a family emergency. According to the BCCI vice-president, Ashwin has returned for his ailing mother. Ashwin picked 1 wicket for 37 runs across his 7-over spell in 1st innings.

Meanwhile, India bowled out England for 319-10 in 1st innings against their total of 445-10. The visitors trail by 126 runs after 1st innings. Ben Duckett (153) slammed a superb century for England. Mohammed Siraj helped India to crush England batters with his 4 wickets.