In a twist of fate, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently equaled the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan‘s record for the most Player-of-the-Series awards in Test cricket history, achieving his 11th award after India’s dominant 2-0 series win over Bangladesh. However, a significant oversight during India’s tour of the West Indies last year has left Ashwin without the opportunity to surpass Muralitharan’s record.
The West Indies Series: A Missed Opportunity
During the two-match Test series against the West Indies in 2023, Ashwin was the standout performer, claiming 15 wickets and scoring a crucial 56 runs. Despite his impressive contributions, he was overlooked for the Player-of-the-Series award after the conclusion of the second Test at Port of Spain. This oversight denied him what would have been his record-breaking 12th award.
According to reports from The Indian Express, Cricket West Indies (CWI) attributed this lapse to an Indian agency responsible for managing sponsorships during the series. However, the agency contended that awarding the Player-of-the-Series fell under CWI’s jurisdiction. The situation has led to confusion and frustration, as it is customary for such awards to be presented even if not done during the post-match ceremony.
Ashwin’s Stellar Performance Against Bangladesh
Despite this setback, Ashwin showcased his exceptional skills in the recent series against Bangladesh. He finished with 11 wickets, tying with teammate Jasprit Bumrah for the most in the series but secured the Player-of-the-Series award due to his outstanding century in Chennai. His performance included a match-winning 113 runs in challenging conditions, demonstrating his all-round capabilities.
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Ashwin’s achievement of equaling Muralitharan’s record is significant; however, it also highlights an unfortunate administrative error that could have already placed him ahead of the Sri Lankan great. While Muralitharan achieved his 11 awards over 61 series, Ashwin has done so in just 42 series, making his accomplishment even more remarkable.
As Ashwin prepares for a three-match Test series against New Zealand starting on October 16, he remains focused on further enhancing his legacy. With 527 Test wickets and over 3,423 runs, including six centuries, he is currently India’s second-most successful Test bowler. His recent performances have solidified his status as one of cricket’s premier all-rounders.
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