R Ashwin played a key role in India’s innings and 222-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test at Mohali. The veteran off-spinner claimed six scalps in the match and also went past Kapil Dev's tally of 434 wickets to become the country's second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.
Ashwin’s current tally stands at 436 wickets and only the great leg-spinner Anil Kumble is ahead of him with 619 dismissals.
After the game, legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev lauded Ashwin for his achievement, saying that the Tamil Nadu lad would have broken his record a lot earlier had he got more chances.
"It's a great achievement especially from a guy who did not get enough opportunities in the recent past. Had he got those opportunities, he would have crossed 434 much earlier. I am happy for him; why should I hold it [the second position] from him? My time has passed," Kapil told Mid-Day in an interview.
Ashwin accomplished the feat on Day 3 of the Mohali Test when he dismissed Charith Asalanka for 20 in the second innings.
While it is tough to predict Ashwin surpassing the tally of Kumble’s 619 scalps, Kapil expects the 35-year-old to break the barrier of 500 Test wickets.
"Ashwin is a fabulous cricketer, an excellent and intelligent spinner. He should now target 500 Test scalps, which I am sure he will try and achieve. In fact, many more [wickets] than that," Kapil said.
Meanwhile, Ashwin penned a heartfelt post on Instagram after going past Kapil Dev.
"28 years ago, I was cheering the great @therealkapildev on to get his world record tally of wickets," he wrote. "I never had the slightest of ideas that I would become an off spinner, play for my country and even manage to go past the great man's tally of wickets. I am delighted and very grateful to what this game has given me so far."
