I don’t want to extend beyond Kumble's tally: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin has had a season every bowler dreams of. We can fairly say that he has had a Virat Kohliesque year. He has been formidable at home and has dominated almost every batting line up with his awe-inspiring bowling. And the Australians who have landed in India for the four-match series are wary of it.

Steve Waugh who termed the legendary spinner Muthaiya Muralidharan as the ‘Bradaman of spinners’ has given the same accolade to the Indian ace. Murali has 800 Test victims to his name and is by far the most successful Test bowler but recently Ashwin became the fastest ever to reach 250 wickets in the format.

This feat had him answering a lot of questions about the records to be broken. He was asked by the Deccan Chronicle about doing a Murali and taking 800 wickets in Tests, Ashwin’s answer was nothing but satisfactory. He said that it would beyond his human limit to do so and he would not like to go one wicket more than his current coach Anil Kumble; Kumble has 619 dismissals to his name. He said that to honour him of course.

Ashwin told DC, “In reality, that’s not something I am looking at. It’s a massive achievement to go anywhere near Murali’s tally of 800 wickets. If I get there, it would be like surpassing my human limit. I started playing Tests a bit late and I have always fought against the odds. And, I don’t think I would want to extend one wicket more than what Anil Kumble (619) achieved. That’s a matter of honour.”

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Australians are well aware of the threat the off-spinner possesses. He has destroyed some of the most prolific batting line-ups over the years. Ashwin has had a year to remember but so has David Warner. There will be a contest within a contest. Ashwin against Warner will be a joy to watch.

The Aussie opener was quoted by India Today saying that he has plans for Ravi Ashwin as well. He said that he knew Ashwin will be ready for him and he will bat against the strength of the spinner.

“I have to respect a player like Ashwin. He thinks like a batsman and I have to be disciplined against him. I have a game plan for him – I have to bat against his strength. He is going to be ready for me and we both have to adopt to the situation. It’s going to be a great battle for the both of us. I have to bide my time,” Warner said.