Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his mastery once again, smashing his sixth Test century, that too, at his home ground in Chennai on Day 1 of the India vs Bangladesh 1st Test. This innings marked his fifth Test ton in India, reaffirming his status as one of the best all-rounders in the world. Notably, this is Ashwin’s second consecutive century in Chennai, following his 106-run knock against England in his last Test appearance here.
The packed stands at Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium roared with pride as Ashwin tamed the Bangladeshi pacers, with his family watching from the crowd. He stood tall, steadying India’s innings and reminding everyone why he is the real ‘Thala’ of Chennai.
Matching Kapil Dev feat: Ravi Ashwin
Earlier in the same match, Ashwin reached another major milestone by joining an elite list of Indian cricketers. He became only the second player, after Ravindra Jadeja, to score a half-century in the ongoing Test match. This fighting fifty not only solidified India’s position but also placed Ashwin in an elite group of Indian players who have the most 50-plus scores at number eight at home.
Ashwin now shares the record of seven such scores with Kapil Dev, surpassing cricketing legends like Harbhajan Singh, MS Dhoni, and Ravindra Jadeja.
Ravichandran Ashwin joins elite WTC Club
Ravichandran Ashwin’s stellar performance extended beyond the Test century. He became only the second cricketer in World Test Championship (WTC) history to score 1000 runs and take 100 wickets, joining teammate Ravindra Jadeja in this elite club.
Ashwin’s all-round brilliance cements his legacy as one of cricket’s finest all-rounders, showcasing his versatility in both batting and bowling.
Closing in on WTC and Test Milestones
Ashwin is not done yet. He’s closing in on another major achievement, needing just 14 wickets to surpass Australia’s Nathan Lyon as the leading wicket-taker in WTC history. If Ashwin claims a five-wicket haul in the series, he will set a new record for the most five-wicket hauls in WTC history.
Additionally, with 516 wickets in Test cricket, Ashwin is poised to overtake West Indian legend Courtney Walsh (519 wickets) and Nathan Lyon (530 wickets), putting him in the top ranks of all-time greats. If he takes 15 wickets in this series, Ashwin will move to seventh on the all-time wicket-takers list.
Ravi Ashwin eyes records against Bangladesh
Ashwin’s sights are also set on becoming India’s most successful bowler in Test matches against Bangladesh. With just nine wickets needed to surpass Zaheer Khan’s record of 31 wickets in India-Bangladesh Test clashes, Ashwin is poised to achieve yet another significant milestone.
As India continue their Test series, all eyes are on Ravi Ashwin—the Real Thala of Chennai—who keeps shattering records and redefining the art of all-round cricket.
