Ravichandran Ashwin surpassed former India captain Kapil Dev’s wicket-taking tally during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Mohali earlier this month. Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin went past Kapil Dev’s wicket-taking record during the first Test of the recently-concluded series against Sri Lanka.
With the wicket of Charith Asalanka, Ravichandran Ashwin went past the legendary all-rounder’s mark of 434 wickets, which was a world record at the time of Kapil Dev’s retirement. During the 2nd Test, Ravichandran Ashwin(442 scalps) also went past South Africa legend Dale Steyn’s wicket-taking tally (439).
Ravichandran Ashwin Shares Kapil Dev’s Heartfelt Letter After The Indian Off Spinner Surpassed The Pacer’s Tally Of 434 Test Scalps
Following the first Test, Ravichandran Ashwin had revealed that he received a letter and a bouquet from Kapil Dev after going past the latter’s wicket-taking tally. On Wednesday, the off-spinner posted a picture of Kapil Dev’s letter to him.
“Congratulations! Truly happy you have broken my record. You have made India proud! Wishing you and the family all the good luck. Kapil Dev,” the former Indian captain wrote to Ravichandran Ashwin.
Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka to achieve the feat of going past Kapil Dev’s tally, and now remains only behind former leg-spinner and captain Anil Kumble, who has 619 dismissals to his name. The 35-year-old Indian off-spinner made his Test debut in 2011 and has since represented the country in 85 matches so far.
Ravichandran Ashwin Was Cheering For Kapil Dev When He Broke Richard Hadlee’s Record And Revealed Bowling Medium Pace To Become Next Kapil Dev
Earlier, Ravichandran Ashwin had expressed his delight at becoming India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the longest format of the game. He is the fourth Indian bowler to take more than 400 wickets in Test cricket.
He also became the 8th highest Test wicket-taker of all time, moving past New Zealand great Richard Hadlee (431) and Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath (433) as well, apart from Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn (439).
“Feeling so humbled. 28 years ago, I was cheering for Kapil Paaji along with my dad when he went past Richard Hadlee’s record,” Ashwin had said on his official YouTube channel.
“Even in my wildest dreams, I never thought of going past his tally of wickets. Because I always wanted to be a batsman especially when I started off as an eight-year old. In 1994, batting was my fascination. Sachin Tendulkar was just emerging into the scene and Kapil Dev, himself was a terrific striker of the cricket ball.”
The legendary off-spinner had further revealed that he used to bowl medium pace on his father’s advice.
“In fact, I used to bowl medium pace on my dad’s advice back then so that I can try to be the next Kapil Paaji. From there, to become an off-spinner and to represent India for so many years. In fact, I never thought I will play for India. I am so grateful and so humbled on this achievement,” said Ashwin.
The seasoned off-spinner, playing in his 85th Test, went past the legendary Kapil Dev’s 434 Test scalps to become India’s second most successful bowler in the longest format. Kapil Dev’s 434 wickets had come from 131 matches. The legendary Anil Kumble tops the list with 619 scalps which he claimed in 132 Test matches.