On October 24, 2024, Ravichandran Ashwin made history by becoming the leading wicket-taker in World Test Championship (WTC) history, achieving this milestone during the second Test match against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. This remarkable achievement comes as a testament to Ashwin's skill, persistence, and dominance in Test cricket.
The day began with India opting to bat first, setting the stage for Ashwin's historic feat. As the match progressed, Ashwin's first significant breakthrough came when he dismissed New Zealand captain Tom Latham, which allowed him to equal Nathan Lyon's previous record of 187 wickets. The excitement in the stadium heightened when Ashwin then bowled out Will Young, surpassing Lyon to become the all-time leading wicket-taker in WTC history.
Ashwin didn’t stop there; he continued to showcase his exceptional talent by picking up a third wicket later in the innings. He dismissed Devon Conway, who had been looking solid at the crease with a well-compiled 76 runs off 141 balls. This wicket was crucial as it broke a budding partnership of 62 runs off 117 balls between Conway and Rachin Ravindra, thereby shifting the momentum back in favor of the Indian team.
As of now, Ashwin's impressive tally stands at 189 wickets in just 39 matches, further solidifying his legacy as one of the premier spin bowlers in the history of Test cricket. In comparison, Nathan Lyon, his closest competitor, has achieved 187 wickets in 43 matches. Other notable bowlers in the WTC rankings include Pat Cummins with 175 wickets in 42 matches, Mitchell Starc with 147 in 38 matches, and Stuart Broad with 134 in 33 matches.
Ashwin’s performance in the WTC cycles has been nothing short of extraordinary. In the 2019-21 cycle, he took 71 wickets in 26 innings at an outstanding average of 20.33, the most by any bowler during that period. In the subsequent 2021-23 cycle, Ashwin claimed 61 wickets in 26 innings at an average of 19.67, ranking third behind Nathan Lyon and Kagiso Rabada. Currently, in the ongoing 2023-25 cycle, he leads with 57 wickets in 22 innings, showcasing his ability to maintain high performance levels over time.
This achievement not only highlights Ashwin’s individual brilliance but also reinforces his critical role in India's bowling attack. His tactical acumen, adaptability, and spin-bowling prowess make him a formidable opponent on the field. As he continues to break records, Ashwin's legacy in the world of cricket is set to endure, inspiring future generations of cricketers.
