Indian star spinner Ravi Ashwin set a record by overtaking the iconic Kapil Dev’s wicket total in the first Test featuring India and Sri Lanka. However, when Ashwin surpassed his wicket count, Kapil Dev weighed in on Ashwin’s momentous achievement. Here are details about Kapil Devs’ reaction on Ins vs SL, Ashwin goes head Kapil Dev.
Dev praised Ashwin’s accomplishment, noting that the off-spinner has been overlooked in previous years. Dev remarked that his moment has elapsed and that if Ashwin just had such prospects, he would’ve surpassed his milestone faster. He also mentioned that his years have passed and that he will no longer occupy the second spot in India’s all-time wicket-takers list.
Ashwin is an excellent and intelligent spinner: Kapil Dev
“It’s a great achievement, especially from a guy who did not get enough opportunities in the recent past. Had he got those opportunities, he would have crossed 434 much earlier. I am happy for him; why should I hold it [the second position] from him? My time has passed,” said Kapil Dev to Mid-Day.
According to Kapil Dev, Ravi Ashwin is a fantastic cricketer and a clever spin bowler. Dev further claimed that Ashwin must now seek to break the 500 wicket barrier in Test cricket, and finished by declaring that he will attempt to accomplish the desired objective.
“Ashwin is a fabulous cricketer, an excellent and intelligent spinner. He should now target 500 Test scalps, which I am sure he will try and achieve. In fact, many more [wickets] than that,” concluded Kapil Dev.
Kapil Dev played in 131 Tests for India. The right-handed batsman has almost 5000 Test runs, with an avg of more than 30 for India. During Test matches, the right-arm bowler has grabbed 434 scalps for India. Kapil Dev, 63, performed his penultimate international game for India versus the West Indies in 1994.
However, Team India won by an innings and 222 runs against the Sri Lankan side in the opening test. And, the second and final test match of the series is going to be commenced from 12 – 16 March in Bengaluru. The Rohit-led side will be flying to the venue from Mohali with a full-fledged squad after two days.
Furthermore, India recently dropped Kuldeep Yadav as Axar Patel makes his return from the fitness camp – NCA. Indian Test squad seemed to be very confident to get into the second test match versus Sri Lanka despite securing a series lead. On the other side, Sri Lanka will hope to make a strong comeback to make the series draw for their pride.
