Ravichandran Ashwin breaks records with first Test heroics

Ravichandran Ashwin, an Indian spinner, continued his incredible streak against the West Indies and surpassed all other active bowlers to become the Test cricketer with the most five-wicket hauls. This feat was done by Ashwin during the opening Test between India and the West Indies in Dominica. Ashwin made a significant comeback in India’s opening game of the new 2023–25 WTC cycle after sitting out the ICC World Test Championship 2021–23 final against Australia earlier in June.

At a 2.44 economy rate, he took 5/60 in 24.3 overs. In addition to the team’s captain Kraigg Braithwaite, he also benched Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder, and Jomel Warrican.

Ravichandran Ashwin has become the player with the most five-wicket hauls among active players, surpassing England pacer James Anderson. With 33 five-wicket hauls in the longer format, Ashwin is now the most successful spinner in Test history. He ranks next to Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralidaran, Shane Warne, Richard Hadlee, Anil Kumble, and Rangana Herath. Ashwin has also achieved three five-wicket hauls in West Indies, surpassing Anil Kumble’s record.

He is the 16th-most productive bowler in international cricket, with Muralidaran (1,347 wickets) being the most productive. He is also India’s third-most productive bowler, with Kumble being the greatest with 956 international wickets. He is also the fifth-most successful spin bowler of all time.