Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to spearhead India’s spin attack in the forthcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. India, led by Rohit Sharma, will play two Tests against the Bangla Tigers with the series opener set to take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, and the second Test scheduled at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September 27.
Ashwin, 37, who was the top wicket-taker in India’s recent Test series against England, remains a key figure for India’s success. The seasoned bowler, who is set to celebrate his 38th birthday on Tuesday, September 17, has the opportunity to break several bowling records in the upcoming two Test matches.
Here are five records Ravichandran Ashwin could potentially set during the India versus Bangladesh Test series:
Most wickets in WTC: Ravichandran Ashwin has picked up 174 wickets from 35 WTC matches to date. If the 37-year-old can claim 14 wickets in the upcoming two Tests he can surpass Australia star spinner Nathan Lyon’s record of 187 wickets and earn the top spot among all World Test Championship (WTC) wicket-takers.
Most wickets in WTC 2023-25 cycle: Ashwin, the world No. 1 Test bowler, has so far claimed 42 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. He needs 10 more wickets against Bangladesh to surpass Australia’s Josh Hazlewood’s record of 51 wickets and become the top wicket-taker in the ongoing cycle. He is currently sitting sixth in the table.
Most Five-Wicket Hauls in WTC: Ashwin has achieved 10 five-wicket hauls in 34 WTC matches. If he secures one more five-wicket haul in the upcoming two Tests versus Bangladesh, he will become the sole record-holder in this category. With this, he can also surpass Nathan Lyon of Australia, who also has 10 five-wicket hauls.
Most wickets in India vs Bangladesh Tests: Ashwin has so far picked up 23 wickets in six Tests against Bangladesh. The veteran spinner requires nine more wickets to surpass former player Zaheer Khan’s record of 31 wickets and become the highest wicket-taker in matches between India and Bangladesh in the game’s longest format.
Most wickets in India: Ashwin has 455 wickets to his name in 126 international matches across all three formats in India. If he can pick 22 wickets in the Test series against Bangladesh, he can break Indian cricket legend Anil Kumble’s record of 476 international wickets on Indian soil.
