India recently celebrated a remarkable victory over Bangladesh in the first Test held in Chennai, with R. Ashwin taking center stage as the hero of the match. Dominating the pitch, Ashwin’s exceptional performance not only led to India’s 280-run triumph but also highlighted his status as a local favorite. His ability to leverage his familiarity with the pitch resulted in an astounding demonstration of skill, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Ashwin’s Reflections After Winning Against Bangladesh
Following the match, Ashwin shared his sentiments about playing in his hometown of Chennai. He expressed how special it feels to perform at a venue where he has enjoyed watching numerous international and Test matches from the stands. “Chennai is my home, and to contribute to my team’s victory here fills me with immense pride,” he remarked. This connection to the venue fueled his outstanding performance, including scoring a century and taking 6 wickets.
Significant Records Set by Ashwin
The Chennai Test saw Ashwin shattering multiple records—his eighth achievement in the format—keeping a remarkable tally of successes. Let’s delve into the notable milestones he accomplished during this match:
A Century and 5 Wickets for the Second Time in 3 Years
Ashwin’s performance marked the second occasion in three years that he scored a century and took over five wickets in a Test match at the same venue. Previously, he had achieved this incredible feat during a Test against England in 2021 in Chennai, cementing his reputation as an outstanding all-rounder.
Breaking a 69-Year-Old Record
In a remarkable turn of events, Ashwin broke a longstanding 69-year-old record by becoming the oldest Indian to take 5 or more wickets in an innings. He achieved this at age 38 years and 2 days, surpassing the previous record held by the legendary Vinoo Mankad, who managed the feat at 37 years and 307 days old against Pakistan in 1955.
Equaling Shane Warne’s Record
With his 6 wickets in the Chennai Test, Ashwin equaled the legendary Shane Warne’s record of taking 5 wickets in an innings on 37 occasions. Only the Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan stands ahead of him in this record, making Ashwin’s achievement even more noteworthy.
Most Wickets in Fourth Innings
A monumental achievement came as Ashwin became the bowler with the most wickets in the fourth innings of Test matches for India, breaking Anil Kumble’s previous record of 94 wickets. With 99 fourth-innings wickets, Ashwin is now poised to reach the remarkable milestone of 100.
First Player to Achieve Dual Feat
He has now made history as the first player to score 50 or more runs in a match over 20 times while also taking 5 wickets in an innings more than 30 times, showcasing his unique all-rounder capabilities that contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Close to Ian Botham’s Record
After this match, Ashwin secured his position as the second player in history, following Ian Botham, to record a century and take 5 wickets in Test matches on 4 occasions. Ian Botham holds the record with 5 such performances, presenting Ashwin with an achievable goal to pursue.
Impressive Player of the Match Record
Finally, Ashwin achieved the impressive milestone of being named Player of the Match for the 10th time in his Test career, further solidifying his integral role in the Indian cricket team.
Conclusion
R. Ashwin’s achievements in the Chennai Test against Bangladesh not only reflect his personal milestones but also underline his invaluable contribution to the Indian cricket team. His ability to excel in home conditions, coupled with his all-round capabilities, places him amongst the greats of the game. As fans eagerly look forward to his future appearances, Ashwin’s recent feats will surely inspire the next generation of cricketers.
