When it comes to modern-day greats in Test cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin stands tall among the very best. With a sharp cricketing mind, remarkable variations, and an uncanny ability to adapt, Ashwin has become one of the most successful spin bowlers in the history of the game. Not just a bowler, Ashwin’s all-round contributions have made him a complete Test cricketer. In this article, we explore Ravichandran Ashwin’s 11 incredible records in Test cricket that highlight his unmatched impact in the longest format.
1. Fastest Indian to Reach 300 Test Wickets
In 2017, Ravichandran Ashwin became the fastest Indian to take 300 Test wickets, reaching the milestone in just 54 matches. Globally, he was the quickest to the mark at the time, beating legends like Dennis Lillee and Muttiah Muralitharan.
2. Most Man of the Series Awards for India in Tests
Ashwin holds the record for the most ‘Man of the Series’ awards by an Indian in Test cricket, with 10 such honors to his name. This highlights not just consistency but domination over entire series.
3. Only Indian Bowler with 5 Test Wickets Against All Teams
Ravichandran Ashwin has taken a five-wicket haul against every Test-playing nation, a rare feat that proves his effectiveness on any pitch, against any opposition.
4. Most Wickets by an Indian in a Home Season
During the 2016–17 season, Ashwin took a staggering 82 wickets in 13 Tests at home the most by any Indian in a single home season. His dominance was crucial in India’s series wins against New Zealand, England, Bangladesh, and Australia.
5. Only Indian to Score Century and Take Five Wickets in Same Match Twice
Ashwin is the only Indian cricketer to have achieved the all-round double of a century and a five-wicket haul in a single Test match twice. He accomplished this against the West Indies and again against England.
6. Second Fastest to 400 Test Wickets
In 2021, Ashwin became the second-fastest bowler in the world to reach 400 wickets, doing so in just 77 matches. His rise to this number was quicker than many legends of the game.
7. Most Wickets in India in Test Cricket
No bowler has been more successful in home conditions than Ravichandran Ashwin. He holds the record for the most wickets in Test matches played in India, surpassing Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble in strike rate and average.
8. Most Wickets Against Australia by an Indian Spinner
Ashwin has a phenomenal record against Australia. He has taken 100+ wickets against the Aussies, making him the most successful Indian spinner against them. His performances have been instrumental in multiple Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins.
9. Part of Most Consecutive Test Wins at Home
Between 2013 and 2021, Ashwin was a key figure in India’s 14 consecutive Test wins at home, the most by any Indian team. His role as a match-winner with the ball played a central role in this incredible streak.
10. Scored 5 Test Centuries as a Bowler
While primarily known for his bowling, Ravichandran Ashwin has also proven his mettle with the bat, scoring five Test centuries. No Indian bowler in recent memory comes close to his all-round capability in Test cricket.
11. One of Only Two Indians with 500+ Test Wickets
In 2024, Ashwin joined the elite club by taking his 500th Test wicket, becoming only the second Indian after Anil Kumble to reach the milestone. It marks him not just as one of the best of his era but of all time.
Final Thoughts
Ravichandran Ashwin’s contribution to Test cricket is nothing short of phenomenal. His ability to take wickets in bunches, dominate across continents, and add valuable runs with the bat makes him a rare and invaluable asset for India. These eleven records represent a cricketer who has evolved, adapted, and thrived in all conditions and against all oppositions.
Whether bowling on a turning track in Chennai or batting under pressure at Lord’s, Ravichandran Ashwin has shown time and again why he belongs in the pantheon of greats. His legacy in Test cricket is already legendary and he’s not done yet.