NEW DELHI: Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar extended his heartfelt congratulations to India’s spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin for a monumental achievement in Test cricket — completing the milestone of 500 wickets. In a tribute to Ashwin’s exceptional talent, Tendulkar lauded him, stating that within the name “AshWIN the SpinNER,” there was always a “WINNER.”
Ashwin, continuing his stellar performance on the cricket field, reached another pinnacle in his illustrious career by becoming only the second Indian bowler to amass 500 wickets in Test matches.The seasoned spinner accomplished this remarkable feat during the third Test against England.

The journey to 500 wickets was a testament to Ashwin’s unwavering skill and determination. After concluding the second Test in Vizag with 499 wickets to his name, Ashwin seized the historic moment on Day 2 of the third Test, claiming the scalp of Zak Crawley to reach the coveted milestone.

Tendulkar took to X and praised ‘one-in-a-million bowler’ Ashwin for achieving a massive career milestone.

“500 Test wickets for a one-in-a-million bowler! In AshWIN the SpinNER, there was always a WINNER. 500 wickets is a huge milestone in Test cricket. Congratulations, Champion!” Tendulkar posted on X.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah also hailed the spinner’s outstanding talent and unwavering commitment that have left a lasting mark in cricketing history.

“Hats off to @ashwinravi99 for achieving an incredible feat of securing 500 test wickets. Your outstanding talent and unwavering commitment have left a lasting mark in cricketing history,” Shah posted on X.

Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri commended “astronaut” Ashwin’s “great performance” and said, “The Astronaut goes into orbit. Great performance by a top-class operator to get to Club 500. Well done, @ashwinravi99 #Ashwin500 #IndvsEng”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also praised the 37-year-old spinner’s “SPINtacular milestone” and wrote, “Breaking Records & Crafting Dreams, that’s Chennai’s own boy, @ashwinravi99! With every turn, he weaves a tale of determination and skill, marking a truly SPINtacular milestone! Hats off to Ashwin’s magical spin, masterfully securing his 500th Test wicket in the annals of cricket history. Here’s to more wickets and wins for our very own legend!”
Ashwin has joined an elite group of cricketers by becoming the ninth bowler in the history of Test cricket to reach the remarkable milestone of 500 wickets. Notably, he is the lone Indian bowler to achieve this feat since the legendary Anil Kumble.
Kumble, renowned for his mastery in leg-spin bowling, left an indelible mark on the cricketing world with his exceptional record of 619 wickets in 132 Test matches for India.

“A champion bowler who never stops to learn. Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on this monumental achievement! Wonderful to see another Indian spinner joining the club,” Kumble posted on X.
Ashwin achieved the feat in 98 Test matches, making him the second-quickest in Test history to the milestone after Muttiah Muralitharan.
(With inputs from ANI)