In a delightful exchange on X, R Ashwin, the seasoned Indian off-spinner, showcased his characteristic wit in response to a fan's observation. The fan had noted an intriguing coincidence: Ashwin's identical bowling figures of 9/128 in both his debut and his 100th Test match. This remarkable consistency brought Ashwin into an elite group, making him only the second bowler after the legendary Muttiah Muralidaran to achieve a 9-fer in his 100th Test.
Ashwin's humorous reaction to the comparison was, "No improvement after all these years of playing the game. “Only my mom can say things like this”." This lighthearted comment underlines Ashwin's ability to engage with fans and maintain a sense of humor about his achievements and the high expectations that follow his career.
The amusing interaction occurred on the same day Ashwin reclaimed his position as the No. 1 bowler in Test cricket, surpassing his teammate Jasprit Bumrah. This achievement marked the sixth time Ashwin has topped the bowlers' rankings in Test cricket, a testament to his enduring skill and impact in the longest format of the game.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah slipped into the second position, level with Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood following his six scalps in the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.
Ashwin's younger teammate Kuldeep Yadav also earned a new career-high rating and jumped 15 places to 16th overall on the latest rankings following his seven wickets and Player of the Match heroics against England in Dharamsala.
Ashwin, only recently, took a moment to praise his fellow spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, for his performance in the final Test against England. Despite Ashwin's own success in taking more wickets, he acknowledged that it was Kuldeep's spell on the first day of the Dharamsala Test that shifted momentum in India's favor. Ashwin's gracious recognition of Kuldeep's contribution, stating that he "totally deserved the Player of the Match award," followed his gesture of letting Kuldeep keep the match ball after the left-arm spinner had picked up a 5-wicket haul in the first innings.
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