Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has etched his name in the history books of the World Test Championship (WTC), becoming the first bowler to take 50 wickets in three different WTC cycles. Ashwin achieved this remarkable feat during the second Test against Bangladesh at Green Park, Kanpur. By dismissing Shakib Al Hasan in the first innings, Ashwin reached the 50-wicket mark in the ongoing 2023-2025 WTC cycle, cementing his place in cricketing history.
In the current two-match series, Ashwin has been a standout performer. Following his match-winning contribution in the first Test at Chennai, where India won by a commanding 280 runs, Ashwin continued to dominate Bangladesh in the second Test. He claimed two crucial wickets in Bangladesh’s first innings, restricting them to 233 runs. Though rain affected much of the game, India made a strong comeback, bowling out Bangladesh quickly on Day 4, and then amassing a healthy lead of 285-9 in just over 34 overs. Ashwin’s contribution didn’t end there, as he picked up two wickets in Bangladesh’s second innings, leaving them at 29-2, trailing by 26 runs at the end of the day.
This record-breaking performance places Ashwin in a league of his own. With this achievement, Ashwin became the first cricketer to take 50 wickets in each of the three WTC cycles. He took 71 wickets in 14 matches during the 2019-2021 cycle, followed by 61 wickets in 13 matches in the 2021-2023 cycle. His current tally stands at 52 wickets in just 10 matches in the ongoing 2023-2025 cycle.
Ashwin’s impressive form puts him on the cusp of another massive WTC record, as he is now just four wickets away from overtaking Australia’s Nathan Lyon to become the leading wicket-taker in WTC history. Lyon currently holds the top spot with 187 wickets in 43 matches, but Ashwin’s tally of 184 wickets has him closing in fast.
