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Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has etched his name in the record books by becoming the leading wicket-taker in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). During the second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune, Ashwin claimed two crucial wickets in the morning session, surpassing Australia's Nathan Lyon to secure the top spot.
Ashwin dismissed New Zealand captain Tom Latham for 15 and Will Young for 18, contributing to India's efforts to restrict New Zealand to 92/2 at lunch on Day 1. These dismissals boosted Ashwin's wicket tally to 188 in 39 WTC matches, surpassing Lyon's 187 wickets from 43 matches.
This remarkable achievement further solidifies Ashwin's position as a pivotal figure in India's bowling lineup in the WTC. He continues to be a formidable force in the Test format, consistently delivering impactful performances for the Indian team. The next Indian bowler on the list is Jasprit Bumrah, who sits in seventh place with 124 wickets in 30 matches.
The top five bowlers in the WTC rankings are predominantly Australians. Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins occupies third place with 175 wickets in 42 matches, followed by Mitchell Starc, who has 147 wickets in 38 games. England's retired pacer Stuart Broad rounds out the top five with 134 wickets from 33 Tests.
Ashwin's outstanding achievement emphasizes his vital role in India's bowling attack. As the team strives to bounce back in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, his contributions will be critical in their pursuit of a spot in the WTC final. His consistent wicket-taking ability and experience in the format make him a valuable asset for India, and his recent milestone adds another feather to his already impressive cap.
Source: Ravichandran Ashwin becomes leading wicket-taker in World Test Championship