R Ashwin equals Muralitharan's record for most Player-of-the-Series awards (Tests)
Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has equaled Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan's record for the most 'Player of the Series' awards in Test cricket. This milestone came after Ashwin's stellar performance in the two-match series against Bangladesh, where he bagged 11 wickets and scored 114 runs. His efforts meant India recorded a 2-0 win. The all-rounder now boasts 11 such awards in his Test career, matching Muralitharan's record.
Ashwin's performance leads India to series victory
Ashwin was a key player in India's seven-wicket win in the second Test against Bangladesh. Even with rain interruptions at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, his match figures of 5/95 helped India clinch the win. Ashwin took 2/45 in the first innings and 3/50 in the second, playing a crucial role in India's series sweep. He scored a century besides taking a fifer in the series opener in Chennai.
Ashwin tops wicket-takers list in WTC cycle
Ashwin's stellar show in the second Test against Bangladesh has catapulted him to the top of the wicket-takers list in the ongoing 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. He has bagged 53 wickets from 10 matches at an average of 21.18 and a strike rate of 37.30, surpassing Josh Hazlewood, who is second with 51 wickets. This achievement further highlights Ashwin's crucial role in India's Test cricket success.
Ashwin surpasses Zaheer Khan's record against Bangladesh
Apart from his other feats, Ashwin has also overtaken former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan to become India's highest wicket-taker against Bangladesh in Tests. He kicked off the series with 23 wickets compared to Zaheer's 31 but ended up with a total of 34 wickets. His century (113 off 133 balls) in the first innings of the first match and five-wicket haul (6/88) in the second innings further showcased his versatility and skill.
Here are Ashwin's overall numbers
Ashwin is among the most successful all-rounders in Test history. Having played 102 Test matches, Ashwin has recorded 527 scalps at an average of 23.65. His tally of 37 Test fifers is only second to Muralidaran (67). The all-rounder also boasts 3,423 Test runs at 26.74 as he has tallied six centuries and 14 fifties.
