At 98 Tests, R Ashwin also becomes the second-fastest to the landmark in Test cricket.
R Ashwin, the 37-year-old offspinner, became the ninth player and the second Indian to reach the milestone of 500 Test wickets. He achieved this feat on the second day in Rajkot by dismissing England's Zak Crawley in the final session. Ashwin is also the second-fastest bowler to reach this milestone, achieving it in his 98th Test.
He dedicated this achievement to his father, who has been a constant support throughout his life. In an interview with the host broadcaster at the end of the day's play, Ashwin stated that his constant support and watching games on TV had taken a toll on his father's health.
Ashwin's career has been marked by a constant desire to evolve as a cricketer, and he stated that his 'desire to excel' has remained unchanged. He expressed confidence that his father would be pleased with his achievement of taking 500 wickets.
However, Ashwin attributes his rise to fame to his time with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, where he gained a reputation for his skill in bowling during the powerplay.
Ashwin identified the period from 2018 to 2019 as the most challenging phase of his career. He lost his place in the Indian team while playing away from home. He described it as a 'bottomless pit'. The Covid-19 pandemic gave him perspective.
Ashwin made his debut for India in November 2011 and has been instrumental in their home dominance for the past decade. He has taken 34 five-wicket hauls and eight match hauls of ten or more. Among Indian bowlers in Tests, only Anil Kumble, with 619 wickets, has taken more wickets than Ashwin. Additionally, he is one of only three off-spinners to achieve this feat, alongside Muralidaran and Nathan Lyon.