As India gears up for a crucial two-match Test series against Bangladesh, all eyes will be on veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as he stands on the cusp of creating history in the World Test Championship (WTC). The 37-year-old off-spinner, currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Test Bowlers rankings, needs just 14 more wickets to surpass Australia’s Nathan Lyon as the highest wicket-taker in WTC history.
Ashwin’s Impressive WTC Record
Ashwin has been a dominant force in the WTC, having taken 174 wickets in 35 matches so far. His ability to outfox batters with his guile and accuracy has been a key factor in India’s success in the longest format of the game. The upcoming series against Bangladesh presents a golden opportunity for Ashwin to cement his legacy as one of the greatest spinners of his generation.
In addition to overtaking Lyon’s tally of 187 wickets, Ashwin also has the chance to equal the Australian’s record of 10 five-wicket hauls in a single WTC cycle. Currently tied with Lyon on 10 fifers each, Ashwin will be eager to add to his impressive collection and cement his status as the premier spinner in the world.
Moreover, Ashwin can also become the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing WTC 2023-25 cycle if he takes at least 10 wickets against Bangladesh. The Indian legend has already dismissed 42 batters in eight matches, trailing Australia’s Josh Hazlewood, who currently tops the list with 51 wickets in 11 matches.
Chasing All-Time Greatness
If Ashwin manages to take at least 15 wickets in the upcoming two matches, he will surpass Lyon’s tally of 530 wickets in Tests and become the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the five-day format of the game. Currently ninth on the list with 516 dismissals, Ashwin has the opportunity to cement his place among the all-time greats of the sport.
While India will be the overwhelming favorites to win the series against Bangladesh, they cannot afford to take the visitors lightly. The Bangladeshi team, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, recently stunned Pakistan in a two-match away series and will be looking to cause an upset in India as well.
India, currently ranked No. 1 in the WTC points table, will be eager to secure their place in the final of the prestigious tournament. With Ashwin leading the charge, the hosts will be confident of extending their dominance over Bangladesh and maintaining their position at the top of the standings.
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