“I don’t know…” - Ravichandran Ashwin reveals why he doesn't think about breaking Anil Kumble's record

Updated - 17 Feb 2024, 02:31 PM

Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble
Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble [PC:X]

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin earned a spectacular record during Day 2 of IND vs ENG 3rd Test in Rajkot. Ravichandran Ashwin became the 2nd Indian spinner after Anil Kumble to grab 500 Test wickets. He reached the milestone after dismissing England opener Zak Crawley.

Notably, Anil Kumble is the other Indian bowler to grab more than 500 wickets for India in a Test. Moreover, Kumble also owns the record for most Test wickets for India. The former Indian leg spinner hunted 618 wickets during his career.

Hence, Ravichandran Ashwin is 119 more wickets away from surpassing Anil Kumble’s record. Ashwin is a regular member of Team India in Tests. With a lot of Test series taking place under ICC WTC cycles, Ashwin has a good opportunity in the upcoming years to steal the record from Kumble.

Also Read: R Ashwin’s father reveals how son turned from a medium pacer to an off-spinner

The very simple answer is ‘no’: Ravichandran Ashwin on breaking Anil Kumble’s record 

When Ravichandran Ashwin was asked whether he thinks about breaking Anil Kumble’s record, the Indian spinner said he doesn’t know what’s in store in the future.

“The very simple answer is ‘no’… 120 wickets away. Every day is what I want to live for, and, I’m 37 years old. I don’t know what’s in store next. What’s in store for the next two months? Ashwin said in the press conference after the day’s play.

“You play this series and then what lies ahead, you really don’t know. I don’t want to really jump the gun. I’ve kept it this way for the last 4-5 years and it’s been very simple and it’s worked for me. Why change anything that’s working for you?”, he further said.

Also Read: If you’re fit, then why sit? Mohammad Kaif backs BCCI rule on playing Ranji Games

It’s been a very long journey: R Ashwin 

Ravichandran Ashwin, who got national fame after his success with Chennai Super Kings in IPL, also recalled how he got a break at the start of his career.

“It’s been a very long journey. I don’t exactly know where to begin because I was an accidental spinner. I wanted to be a batter all along. Life gave me a chance. When I walked into the CSK dressing room, Muttiah Muralitharan didn’t want to bowl the new ball and eventually I got tossed the new ball,” said Ashwin, who holds 3rd rank in ICC Test bowler.

Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin lashes out at Alastair Cook for accusations of deliberately running on Rajkot pitch

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin hunted 1 wicket in the 1st innings of IND vs ENG 3rd Test. He registered figures of 1 for 37 in his 7-over spell. India bowled out England for 319 in the 1st innings. Earlier, they posted 445-10 in 1st innings. England trail by 126 runs after 1st innings. Mohammed Siraj was the most successful bowler for India with his 4 wickets.

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Anil Kumble England National Cricket Team IND vs ENG India National Cricket Team India vs England India vs England 2024 Ravichandran Ashwin