IND vs AUS: Ravichandran Ashwin on brink of eclipsing Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble

Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is on the brink of surpassing some of the major records held by greats Anil Kumble and Kapil Dev. As India host Australia in the third of the four-match Test series at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, Ashwin has the perfect opportunity to script new records.

The veteran offie is just eight wickets shy from equalling Anil Kumble’s 111 wickets against the Aussies in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In addition to this, Ashwin (686 wickets) is just two wickets away from eclipsing Kapil Dev's tally of 687 wickets in international cricket.

Considering that India still have two games in hand prior to the ODI series against Australia, Ashwin will look to use the opportunity and surpass the major milestones. Ashwin has proven to be a vital cog in the side and his impressive bowling exploits were displayed in the first two Tests as he got 14 scalps to his name.

Indore Test crucial for Australia

After the utter capitulation in the first and second Test, Rohit Sharma and Co. comfortably retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In addition to this, the wait for a berth in the finals of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle continues for Australia courtesy of their back-to-back losses.

Notably, Australia have been unable to find any success on Indian soil since their last series win back in 2004/05 season. With two games still left in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Aussies will be gunning to get level in the series. Steve Smith is leading the side for the third Test after skipper Pat Cummins was forced to leave for his home due family reasons.

Meanwhile, team India are on the cusp of cementing a place in the summit clash of the global ICC event. Rohit Sharma-led team India requires just one win from either of their final two red-ball clashes to officially secure the spot. Following the conclusion of the Test series, the two cricketing powerhouses will meet in a three-match ODI series, which is scheduled to start on March 17 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.