Ravichandran Ashwin becomes fastest Indian bowler to take 500 Test wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin quickly impacted England’s first innings in Rajkot, dismissing Zak Crawley to reach his 500th Test wicket. This achievement makes him the fastest Indian (98 matches) to the milestone and second fastest overall, behind only Muttiah Muralidaran (87 matches). He’s also the second Indian and third Asian after Muralidaran to take 500 Test wickets. During India’s 2021 England tour, he broke Kumble’s record for the fastest Indian to 400 Test wickets (77 matches) and went onto reach 500 in just 21 more matches.  Ashwin took 25,714 deliveries to complete 500 Test wickets, only behind Glenn McGrath, who took 25,528 deliveries to achieve the same milestone

Ashwin now holds the record for the fastest Indian to reach every 50-wicket mark from 50 to 450. His 500th wicket marks not just a personal achievement but a testament to his exceptional skill and resilience. Only eight other bowlers have achieved this feat which places him among all-time greats of the sport. As an off-spinner in a fast-bowling era, his consistent wicket-taking ability is remarkable. His journey to 500 wickets is the second fastest, solidifying his place as a modern spin legend. 

Fastest 500 Test wickets