India asserted their dominance in the Test arena with a resounding 2-0 series victory against Bangladesh, capping off the remarkable campaign with a comprehensive 7-wicket triumph in the Kanpur Test on Tuesday. Among the standout performers, Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name into the annals of cricketing history by equalling the legendary Muthiah Muralidaran’s record for the most Player of the Series awards in Test cricket. This achievement came as Ashwin showcased an all-round masterclass throughout the series.
The seasoned all-rounder’s feat mirrors Muralidaran’s accolade tally, with both cricketers now holding an impressive 11 Player of the Series awards each. However, it’s noteworthy that Ashwin reached this significant milestone in just 43 bilateral Test series, 18 fewer series than the Sri Lankan legend, underscoring his exceptional consistency and impact in Test cricket.
Fresh off the series win, Ashwin downplayed any personal comparisons with Muralidaran, emphasizing that his focus remains on the immediate challenges rather than chasing milestones. “I am only thinking about one game at a time,” Ashwin said, dismissing any speculation about his plans to reach the 600 Test wickets landmark in the future.
Throughout the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Ashwin was instrumental, not only with the ball where he and Jasprit Bumrah each took 11 wickets, but also with the bat, delivering a match-winning century in the first Test in Chennai. His performance earned him the Player of the Series award, a testament to his critical role in India’s success.
In red-ball cricket, Ashwin has been nothing short of sensational in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. The 38-year-old spinner claimed three wickets in the second innings of the Kanpur Test, catapulting him to the top of the wicket-takers list in the WTC 2025 cycle with a remarkable 53 wickets in 19 innings. This achievement saw him surpass Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood, who has 51 wickets.
Ashwin’s stellar form extends beyond this series. He is closing in on another significant milestone, requiring only two more wickets to eclipse Nathan Lyon’s record of 187 wickets in the history of the WTC. Furthermore, Ashwin holds the premier spot in the ICC Men’s Test bowling rankings, boasting an exceptional 37 wickets in just 7 Tests in 2024.
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The Kanpur Test and series as a whole were a display of Indian cricket’s depth and resilience. After the test’s conclusion, Ashwin remained characteristically humble about his achievements, focusing his remarks on the overall team effort rather than individual accolades. He highlighted the importance of taking each game as it comes and the collective aim of maintaining India’s standing at the top of world cricket.
Meanwhile, the series highlighted some related developments within Indian cricket. Despite Ashwin’s heroics, there were notable absences and headlines concerning selection decisions. For instance, a star pacer, previously snubbed for the Bangladesh T20Is, was also left out of the Rest of India’s playing XI for the prestigious Irani Cup, raising questions and debates among cricket enthusiasts and analysts.
In the backdrop of India’s sweeping success, the WTC points table has been updated, reaffirming India’s position as leaders after the 2-0 clean sweep over Bangladesh. India’s flawless record against Bangladesh in Test cricket remains intact, much to the delight of the fans and the coaching staff, who have been working tirelessly to ensure the team’s peak performance remains uninterrupted.
The triumph in Kanpur added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation as India continues its journey through the current WTC cycle. With Ashwin in a league of his own and the team firing on all cylinders, the road ahead looks promising for Indian Test cricket.
As fans and fellow cricketers celebrate Ashwin’s milestone, the memories of his performances in this series will serve as a reminder of his vast contributions to the game. Each accolade and record underline the excellence and persistence that have defined Ashwin’s illustrious career. The synergy between his individual brilliance and the collective team effort is a testament to the robust structure and spirit of Indian cricket today.
Looking forward, the cricketing world will be keenly watching Ashwin’s next moves, with countless milestones still within his grasp. For now, India’s cricket enthusiasts can revel in this moment of history, heralding a series win that has fortified their team’s prestigious standing on the global stage.
