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R. Ashwin Equals Muttiah Muralitharan’s Record for Most Player of the Series Awards in Test Cricket
In a remarkable feat, India’s leading off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has matched the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan’s record for the most Player of the Series awards in Test cricket. Ashwin secured his 11th award after the recently completed Test series against Bangladesh, solidifying his status as one of the game’s greats.
A Comparison of Achievements
What makes Ashwin’s achievement even more impressive is the speed at which he reached this milestone. Muralitharan collected his 11 Player of the Series awards over the course of 60 series, while Ashwin accomplished the same in just 39 series. This underscores Ashwin’s consistency and impact in Test cricket.
Outstanding All-Round Performance Against Bangladesh
Ashwin’s all-round performance was instrumental in India’s convincing series victory against Bangladesh. Throughout the two-match series, he contributed significantly with both bat and ball, accumulating 114 runs and claiming 11 wickets, showcasing his exceptional skills as an all-rounder.
In the opening Test held in Chennai, Ashwin faced a challenging start, remaining wicketless in the first innings. However, he bounced back impressively in the second innings, taking six wickets for 88 runs, helping India secure a crucial win.
The second Test, played at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, saw Ashwin continue his fine form, where he took five wickets—two in the first innings and three in the second. His performances with the ball were complemented by his impressive batting.
During the first innings of the opening Test, Ashwin entered the game at No. 8 and produced a remarkable innings of 113 runs off 133 balls. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja for the seventh wicket, which yielded 199 runs, was a pivotal moment that helped India recover from a shaky 144 for 6 to set a strong total of 376 runs.
Most Player of the Series Awards in Test Cricket
| Player Name | Country | Number of Bilateral Series | Most Player of the Series Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravichandran Ashwin | India | 39 | 11 |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 60 | 11 |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 61 | 9 |
| Imran Khan | Pakistan | 28 | 8 |
| Richard Hadlee | New Zealand | 33 | 8 |
| Shane Warne | Australia | 46 | 8 |
The Legacy of R. Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin’s capacity to influence matches with both bat and ball has earned him a prominent place among the most celebrated cricketers in Test cricket history. By equaling Muralitharan’s record for the most Player of the Series awards, he has once again demonstrated why he is hailed as one of the finest all-rounders in the sport.
