November 3, 2024: In a thrilling display of skill at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name in history by becoming the highest wicket-taker at Wankhede during Day 2 of the final Test against New Zealand. The celebrated off-spinner claimed three wickets for 63 runs, pushing past Anil Kumble’s long-standing record of 38 wickets in seven matches.
Ashwin’s journey to this milestone was anything but straightforward. After a challenging first innings where he went wicketless with figures of 0/47, he made a spectacular comeback, dismantling New Zealand’s middle order with precision and poise. His initial breakthrough came when he cunningly set up Rachin Ravindra for a stumping, showcasing his sharp cricketing intellect.
The match turned dramatically when Ashwin faced Glenn Phillips, who had taken an aggressive stance against him. After two towering sixes, Ashwin switched tactics, adjusting his line and length to deliver his trademark carrom ball. Expecting a standard delivery, Phillips was caught off guard as the ball sharply turned, cleanly hitting the stumps and marking Ashwin’s second wicket of the innings.
Will Young soon followed suit, falling victim to another masterful delivery from Ravichandran Ashwin, who executed a well-disguised carrom ball that induced a return catch. This pivotal moment added to India’s dominance, leaving New Zealand struggling at 171/9 by stumps, with a slim lead of just 143 runs.
Ravichandran Ashwin Breaks Kumble’s 18 Year Old Record at Wankhede
Ashwin’s three-wicket haul not only reflects his resilience but also serves as a crucial confidence booster as he prepares for India’s challenging five-Test series against Australia. After a lackluster start to the series with just six wickets in his previous five innings at an average of 51.33, this performance has revitalized his rhythm and set the stage for what lies ahead.
