NEW DELHI: Star Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has surpassed Australia’s Nathan Lyon to become the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history, with 531 wickets.
Having racked up three wickets during India’s second Test against New Zealand so far, Ashwin cemented his legacy as one of the finest off-spinners in the game.
His remarkable consistency across 104 matches places him above Lyon’s tally of 530 wickets.
Ashwin has been a cornerstone of India’s Test success, excelling with a career average of 23.74 and an impressive strike rate of 50.37.
His ability to trouble both left-handers and right-handers alike makes him a crucial part of India’s bowling arsenal.
Leading wicket-takers in Test cricket:
- Muttiah Muralitharan (SL) – 800
Shane Warne (AUS) – 708- James Anderson (ENG) – 704
Anil Kumble (IND) – 619- Stuart Broad (ENG) – 604
- Glenn McGrath (AUS) – 563
- Ravichandran Ashwin (IND) – 531
- Nathan Lyon (AUS) – 530
Ashwin delivered crucial breakthroughs for India by dismissing New Zealand captain Tom Latham, Will Young and Devon Conway on the opening day of the second Test at Pune’s MCA Stadium.
Ashwin first trapped Latham lbw for 15 with a sharp-turning delivery, marking his ninth dismissal of Latham in Tests.
Ashwin later dismissed Will Young for 18, caught behind by Rishabh Pant, and soon after removed Devon Conway for 76 with a spinning delivery, reclaiming his spot above Nathan Lyon on the all-time Test wicket-takers list.
With these dismissals, Ashwin not only dismantled New Zealand’s early resistance but also became the leading wicket-taker in World Test Championship (WTC) history with 189 scalps to his name.
Looking ahead, Ashwin’s experience will be key as India aim to secure a spot in the WTC final.
With more series on the horizon, the off-spinner is likely to climb further on the all-time wicket-takers’ list, chasing the likes of Anil Kumble (619 wickets) and Glenn McGrath (563 wickets).