'That's 120 wickets away': R Ashwin not thinking about breaking Anil Kumble's record of 619 Test wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin is not thinking too much about surpassing Anil Kumble’s record of 619 Test wickets. Ashwin on Friday became the ninth bowler overall and just the second Indian, after Anil Kumble to register 500 Test wickets. When asked about crossing Kumble’s 619-wicket milestone at the press conference after Day 2 on Friday, Ashwin said: “That’s 120 wickets away”.

Ashwin further explained how he became an “accidental spinner”.

“I was an accidental spinner, I wanted to be a batter all along. Life gave me a chance. When I walked into the CSK dressing room, Muttiah Muralitharan didn’t want to bowl with the new ball. Eventually, I got past the new ball. I had a good First Class start. The stage in the IPL made me visible to a lot of people. I eventually got my Test debut. People doubted me whether I could be a Test bowler, and here I am 13 years later. So not bad. I am pretty glad,” added the 37-year-old.

Also read | R Ashwin dedicates 500 Test wickets milestone to his father

Ashwin went onto say that he was happy where he was and does not want to give up on his love for the game. Ashwin was dropped for India’s World Test Championship final against Australia last year in London, with the team management opting for four pacers and a spinner in Ravindra Jadeja. “I am really happy where I am in life. I haven’t cared about perceptions in last five-six years.

“I don’t want to let go of my love for the game,” said Ashwin.

Ashwin praised the way how Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel batted but was gutted by how Dhruv got out.  “I am a big fan of Sarfaraz Khan… gutted the way he got out. Dhruv Jurel was very composed today. He wanted me to keep talking while batting… I know from RR and he looked very composed on debut,” said the cricketer from Tamil Nadu.

England may be in a comfortable position at 207/2, trailing India by 238 runs, but Ashwin feels it’s not yet time for India to press the panic button just yet.  “Even at 200/2, boys are relaxed. We know four or five can come our way in a session,” continued the veteran cricketer.