Cricket is often a game of records, and some of these achievements are etched into history for their remarkable significance. One such moment unfolded when India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin joined the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan in an exclusive club. Ashwin, known for his brilliance both with the ball and the bat, achieved a milestone that not many have even come close to. By winning his 11th Player of the Series award in Test cricket, Ashwin equaled Muralitharan’s world record for the most such awards in the history of the game.
Ashwin’s performance in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh in 2024 played a key role in this achievement. His all-round contribution with both bat and ball helped India secure a comfortable 2-0 series victory. The Chennai-born cricketer picked up 11 wickets across four innings and scored a total of 114 runs in the series. His consistency over the years has made him one of India’s most valuable players, and his latest feat has further cemented his place among the greats.
Ashwin’s Match-Winning Performance in the Series
In the Test series against Bangladesh, Ravichandran Ashwin delivered yet another remarkable performance. Despite going wicketless in the first innings of the opening Test, Ashwin came back strongly in the second innings, taking six crucial wickets for just 88 runs. This helped India bowl out Bangladesh and gain control of the match.
In the second Test, played at Green Park, Kanpur, Ashwin continued his fine form. He picked up two wickets in the first innings and three in the second, bringing his tally to 11 wickets for the series. But it wasn’t just his bowling that made headlines. Ashwin’s batting played a key role too. In the first Test, he scored a crucial 113 runs while batting at No. 8, putting on a vital 199-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja for the seventh wicket. This performance helped India recover from a tough position and post a strong total on the board.
| Ravichandran Ashwin’s Performance in the IND vs BAN Series | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Wickets Taken | 11 |
| Total Runs Scored | 114 |
| Key Contribution | 113 runs and 6 wickets in the first Test |
Ashwin Equals Muralitharan’s Record of 11 Player of the Series Awards
By winning the Player of the Series award against Bangladesh, Ashwin joined Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan with 11 such awards in Test cricket. Muralitharan, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest spinners in the history of the game, achieved this feat over an 18-year career, during which he played 61 Test series. In comparison, Ashwin has reached this milestone in just 42 series, showcasing his incredible consistency and match-winning abilities.
Ashwin’s achievement is even more impressive when considering the illustrious names that follow him in this record. South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis is third on the list with 9 Player of the Series awards, followed by Pakistan’s Imran Khan, New Zealand’s Richard Hadlee, and Australia’s Shane Warne, each with 8 awards.
Most Player of the Series awards in Tests
| Most Player of the Series Awards in Tests | Number of Awards |
|---|---|
| Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) | 11 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin (India) | 11 |
| Jacques Kallis (South Africa) | 9 |
| Imran Khan (Pakistan) | 8 |
| Richard Hadlee (New Zealand) | 8 |
| Shane Warne (Australia) | 8 |
Ashwin’s Contribution to India’s Success in Test Cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin has been a key player for India in Test cricket since making his debut in 2011. Over the years, he has developed into one of the finest spinners in the world, capable of turning matches with both his bowling and his ability to contribute valuable runs down the order. His adaptability and understanding of different conditions have made him a crucial part of India’s Test success.
Apart from equaling Muralitharan’s record, Ashwin also became only the second cricketer to score 1000 runs and take 100 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC). His ability to perform consistently at the highest level across different formats of the game has earned him praise from cricketing experts and fans alike.
