The recently-concluded Test series against England was a memorable one for senior India spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin.
India clinched the five-match series 4-1 at home despite losing the opening Test in Hyderabad, while Ashwin reached some significant milestones during the course of the series.
In the third Test in Rajkot, Ashwin became the ninth bowler overall and only the second Indian after the legendary Anil Kumble to claim 500 wickets in the longest format of the game. The off-spinner finished the series with 26 scalps and currently has 516 Test wickets to his name, including the most 5-fers (36) for India.
The final Test in Dharamsala marked Ashwin’s 100th appearance in the traditional format. He became only the 14th Indian cricketer to achieve this feat.
Impressed with his exploits, two former India coaches in Kumble and Ravi Shastri and one current in form of Rahul Dravid heaped praise on Ashwin on Saturday (March 16), hailing him as one of India's greatest ever.
While Dravid hoped that Ashwin wouldn't call it quits anytime soon, Shastri wanted to see the veteran offie harassing batters for at least two more years.
On the other hand, Kumble expressed his shock that Ashwin isn't a regular in India's overseas Test fixtures.
"I hope he is not finished. He has moved the craft of spin bowling through his hard work, dedication and innovation. That's a great legacy to have. Fantastic! Well done and inspired a whole generation of young spinners," Dravid said during a felicitation ceremony organised by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) to celebrate Ashwin crossing the 500-wicket mark and completing 100 Tests.
"He always has the desire to contribute to the team's success. Have really enjoyed my time with him," the current head coach added.
"The good thing about him is that he challenges you, and as a coach, you want that. Looking forward to more such memories with him. He is one of a kind," he further stated.
Dravid's predecessor Shastri urged Ashwin to continue playing with the minds of the batters for a few more years.
"Achievements of gigantic proportions. It's no joke. Wish you the best. I believe you still have a lot of cricket left. Spinners mature with each passing age. Feel very proud. Well done, enjoy and keep harassing batsmen for at least a couple of years more," Shastri said.
Kumble, India’s leading wicket-taker in Tests with 619 scalps to his name, spoke about Ashwin's immense contribution in India's success during the last decade.
"In my book, he is one of the best to have represented the country. His numbers have been outstanding. He has an overwhelming co-relation with his and India's success. He was never satisfied and always wanted more," Kumble said.
According to Kumble, Ashwin would have played 100 Tests much earlier has he not been overlooked during overseas assignments.
"He should have played his 100th much earlier. However, he doesn't always get picked while India travels overseas, which perplexes me," Kumble said, before hailing Ashwin as a leader in the dressing room.
"Although he hasn't been the official Indian captain, he has always been a leader in the dressing room. Wonderful to see him dedicate his 500th wicket to his proud father. He still has some international and IPL cricket left in him. Looking forward to see him perform more."
(With PTI inputs)
