‘The greatest ever off spinner to have played for India’- Fans react as Ravichandran Ashwin becomes 2nd Indian bowler to achieve the 500-wicket milestone

In a historic feat, India's eminent off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming only the second Indian and ninth worldwide to claim 500 wickets in Test cricket. Achieving this monumental milestone during the third Test match against England in Rajkot, Ashwin's stellar performance solidifies his status as one of the game's greatest spin bowlers.

Anil Kumble is now the only Indian bowler who is ahead of Ashwin in terms of most scalps in test cricket. Ashwin's journey to 500 wickets is a testament to dedication and pursuit to keep excelling at every point in time. 

Before the 3rd test at Rajkot, Ashwin was only one wicket away from reaching the 500-wicket milestone which he achieved in no time as soon as he came into bowl in England's first innings. Ravichandran Ashwin etched his name deeper in history, claiming his 500th Test wicket with the dismissal of Zak Crawley. His teammates erupted in celebration as soon as he picked the 500th wicket recognizing his monumental achievement as only the second Indian to reach this elite mark.

While the moment undoubtedly calls for cheers, the bigger picture remains - the ongoing match and the series itself. India still has hurdles to overcome, and Ashwin's prowess with the ball will be crucial in securing victory. So, while relishing this individual feat, the focus now shifts back to stopping this aggressive English team from creating history on Indian soil.

Ashwin's ascent to 500 Test wickets also positions him as the second-fastest bowler, trailing only the illustrious Sri Lankan spinner, Muttaiah Muralidaran, in achieving this remarkable feat in under 100 Test matches. Remarkably, Ashwin holds the distinction of being the quickest Indian to reach various milestones in Test cricket, including 50, 100, 150, 200, 350, 400, and 450 wickets, highlighting his unparalleled dominance on the field.

Social Media Reactions

The Indian fans were waiting for this feat from the last match and social media erupted when Ashwin achieved the milestone. Here are some of the reactions from fans on X:

The greatest ever off spinner to have played for India

— Sudharshan R (@rsudharshan95) February 16, 2024

The Modern day Spin Wizard 💥💥💥💥 Legend anna💥 pic.twitter.com/iKaHyLDYcg

— White knight 🦇 (@santhoshtiger14) February 16, 2024

Yes, what a massive achievement for Ravichandran Ashwin! Reaching 500 Test wickets is a testament to his skill, dedication, and hard work over the years.

— BM (@bttmndl) February 16, 2024

Most wickets in Tests (spinner)

Muralidharan: 800
Shane Warne: 696
Anil Kumble: 619
Nathan Lyon: 515

Ravichandran Ashwin: 500*

— Varun Giri (@Varungiri0) February 16, 2024

2nd Indian achieving this milestone 🤩🤩 @ashwinravi99 500 test wickets 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/udF3MRObve

— Tharani K (@CinemaAngle) February 16, 2024

Congratulations Ashwin Anna 🔥

— Kɪɴɢ Kᴏнʟɪ❶❽ᶠᶜ (@kingkohli18fc_) February 16, 2024

Legend. 😎👌

— Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) February 16, 2024

Ashwin the Goat 🐐

— Babu K (@Babu_K_08) February 16, 2024