IND vs ENG: Ravichandran Ashwin on the cusp of breaking Anil Kumble's record at home

In what could be a Test match filled with records, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to etch his name yet again in the archives of the game’s rich history, closing in on another milestone previously held by the legendary Anil Kumble. After joining the elite 500 Test wickets club, only the second off-spinner behind the iconic Muttiah Muralidaran to achieve the feat, Ashwin now eyes Kumble's long-standing record for the most wickets in Test matches played in India.

Ashwin's ascent has been nothing short of meteoric, as he stands merely three wickets shy of surpassing Kumble's tally. With 348 wickets from 113 innings on home soil at a staggering average of 21.31, Ashwin's prowess with the ball is undisputable. His imminent accomplishment would place him at the pinnacle, ahead of stalwarts like Harbhajan Singh, Kapil Dev, and Ravindra Jadeja.

A testament to his consistency, he finds himself in elite company, ranking among the top six bowlers with over 200 Test wickets at home, in terms of average. His impact on the game is underscored by the fact that since his debut, with 517 wickets, only Nathan Lyon of Australia has claimed more scalps. Lyon has played 28 Tests more than the Tamil Nadu spinner.

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Ranchi Test might bear witness to ample records

The statisticians now await with bated breath as Ashwin gears up for the pivotal fourth Test against England at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Given his track record, it's only a matter of when he'll once again leave his mark on the record books. His potential elevation to the exclusive 350 home wickets club would reinforce his status as one of the greatest spinners of the modern era.

Meanwhile, in the pace realm, England's James Anderson continues to defy age and expectations. With 696 wickets in 185 Tests, the seasoned campaigner is on the cusp of history, eyeing the coveted 700-wicket mark. Should he achieve this milestone, he'll be the first-ever pacer to reach such heights, joining the illustrious ranks of Muralitharan and Shane Warne in the revered array of bowling legends.

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