Ravichandran Ashwin equals Muttiah Muralitharan's historic Test record after dominant display vs Bangladesh

Ravichandran Ashwin has yet again emerged as the match-winner for the Indian cricket team, as his all-round efforts played a key role in the hosts securing a 2-0 Test series win over Bangladesh. He was instrumental in India’s massive victories in both the first and second Tests against the Tigers.

The Indian all-rounder had smashed a century and scalped six wickets in the first Test and helped the host team to win the game by 280 runs against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He was then honored with the Player of the Match award for his match-winning contribution.

Ravichandran Ashwin equals Muttiah Muralitharan's record for most Player of the Series awards in Test Cricket

In the second and final Test, Ashwin failed to deliver with the bat, as he was dismissed for 1 by Shakib Al Hasan, and then he didn’t need to bat in the second innings, as Team India chased down the 95-run target inside 18 overs with seven wickets in hand against Bangladesh.

However, the Indian off-spinner was brilliant with the ball at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. He finished with 2/25 in 15 overs and 3/50 in 15 overs across the innings in the second and final Test against the Bangladesh cricket team. His all-round show earned him a remarkable accolade.

After the India vs Bangladesh second Test, Ashwin was adjudged Player of the Series for his all-round contribution to India’s much-needed 2-0 Test series win over Bangladesh at home. After winning the Player of the Series award, the Tamil Nadu star etched his name into the history books.

In a monumental achievement, Ravichandran Ashwin has etched his name among the legends of Test cricket. By clinching his 11th Player of the Series award, Ashwin has equaled Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan’s record for Most Player of the Series awards in Test cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s remarkable consistency with both bat and ball has seen him surpass the likes of Jacques Kallis, Sir Richard Hadlee, Imran Khan, and Shane Warne, further cementing his status as one of the greatest all-rounders in the modern era. He will certainly finish his career as one of the finest all-rounders in Test history.

Most Player of the Series awards in Tests:

11 - Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)

11 - Ravichandran Ashwin (India)

9 - Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

8 - Sir Richard Hadlee (New Zealand)

8 - Imran Khan (Pakistan)

8 - Shane Warne (Australia)

Team India is all set to next host New Zealand in a three-match Test series, and Ashwin will have a great chance to surpass Sri Lanka’s spin great Muralitharan and set a new world record in Tests.

After the match, Ravichandran Ashwin expressed pride in India’s bowling attack, praising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Ravindra Jadeja, praising their adaptability on slow surfaces.

Ravichandran Ashwin said at the presentation ceremony, “The kind of bowling attack I'm part of, incredibly proud of it. How Jassi bowls, how Siraj turns in, how Akash turned up—you don't have to mention much about Jaddu. With the new ball, you get more bite out of the surface. It is slow."