India’s spin bowling spearhead Ravichandran Ashwin spoke in a patronising fashion when he was recently asked if he would like to go past Anil Kumble golden mark of 619 Test wickets. He candidly stated that as a mark of respect for the legend, he would retire from Tests the day he reached 618 scalps.
Although Ashwin is only standing halfway in terms of wickets that Kumble has taken, his current record-breaking form makes him well poised to get close to the Kumble’s record of being the highest Indian wicket-taker in the Test format.
“I am a big fan of Anil Kumble and he has got 619 wickets. If I get to 618 wickets, I will be very thankful too and, and if I get to 618, that will be my last Test match,” Ashwin was quoted as saying by Gulf News on Thursday (October 19).
The 31-year-old has played only 52 Tests so far after making his debut six years ago in 2011 against West Indies and is just eight short of completing his 300 Test wickets mark.
He played under the tutelage of Kumble for a year’s time during the lengthy home season last year which saw him pick a whopping 82 wickets in 13 matches and leading India to a flawless series wins against New Zealand, England, and Australia. This tally is the best by any bowler in a season.
Ashwin admitted on one occasion that Kumble played a huge role in his successful run. However, the duo’s partnership was short as the former leg-spinner stepped down from his position as the India head coach just after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy 2017 in England.
“Herath Is A Role Model”
Ashwin also praised Sri Lankan legend Rangana Herath for his ability to fight growing age to stay on the top.
The 39-year-old has been the most valuable spin bowler in Sri Lanka in the post Muralitharan-era. He recently became the 14th bowler to pick up 400 Test wickets during the first Test of the two-match series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.
“Rangana Herath is one of my role models,” Ashwin said. “I think he is a fabulous bowler. He just overcomes limitations every single day. Age does wear the body out over a period of time. As far as Herath is concerned, he just keeps proving that he is a champion cricketer and he can use pressure to his good advantage,” he added.
Focussing On Honing My Craft
The Indian team management is looking forward to building a strong bench strength for the 2019 World Cup. This has led to the selectors trying younger spin bowling option which has resulted in Ashwin missing three successive ODI series – against Sri Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand.
When asked for his opinion on recent experimentation of resting players in the Indian team, the 31-year-old revealed that he was more focused on developing his craft ‘every single day’ than focussing on the team management’s decisions.
“I don’t have an answer to that because resting [a player] and making decisions are definitely not something that I can comment on,” he said.
“Because I am not the one that is in charge and I am not the one who is responsible for making these decisions. So very clearly, as far as I am concerned, every day is about being better than what you have been previously. I am definitely focused on developing every single day and becoming a better cricketer because that is the only thing that will last. Tomorrow, if I am given an opportunity, I should be the best I can be and probably even better than the best that I can be.”