As the third Test against New Zealand beckons, all eyes will once again be on Ravichandran Ashwin
It is no secret that Ravichandran Ashwin is a maestro of the ball, but his captivating exploits at the Wankhede Stadium make it a unique venue for India's spin magician. Ashwin recently became the all-time highest wicket-taker in the World Test Championship during India's series against New Zealand. Hence, expectations are high when he travels to Wankhede for the third and final Test on November 1st, 2024.
While New Zealand has already won the series 2-0, the forthcoming 'Diwali Test' may still attract fans anxious to see Ashwin perform his magic again. After all, Wankhede has witnessed Ashwin's game-changing spells, often tipping the scales in India's favour. Let's go back and explore four of his most memorable spells at this iconic stadium.
WICKET Anderson is the last to go, Ashwin's 12th victim of the match, & India win by an inns & 36 runs #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/0UhqHFv0x0
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 12, 2016
It was India's fourth Test against England in December 2016, and they are on a roll after scoring a massive 631 runs. The stage is set for Ashwin. With Kohli's double-century as a buffer, Ashwin turns the tables on England's batters.
England attempted to resist in their second innings but was defeated by Ashwin's unrelenting probing. He took six wickets for 55 runs, shattering England's middle order and finishing the innings in just 20.3 overs. Ashwin was at his calculating best, enticing and surprising batters with a surprise change. Root and Bairstow fought, but in the end, they had no solution. India went on to win by an innings and 36 runs, with Ashwin's two six-wicket hauls creating headlines.
In the same game, Ashwin declared his arrival with a sensational six-wicket haul in the first innings. His spell of 6-112 ripped through England's batting order. He bowled 44 overs diligently, outfoxing Jennings, Buttler, and Moeen Ali with subtle variations. If the first innings were for testing the waters, the second was for the storm. Ashwin's consistency during that match demonstrated why he was India's go-to weapon.
Thanks to Jadeja's excellent support, India bowled England out for 400 in their first innings. By the end of the Test, England was perplexed and unable to solve the Ashwin-Jadeja puzzle. That encounter will live on in memory as a monument to Ashwin's tenacity and ability to turn a game around.
In a high-scoring 2011 Test against the West Indies, Ashwin has shown his endurance by taking 5 wickets for 156 runs in 52.1 overs. With Darren Bravo leading the visitors' attack with 166, Ashwin's perseverance paid off, breaking key partnerships and limiting the flow of runs.
Ashwin with the player of the match award at Wankhede against The West Indies // Picture Courtesy -- @cricbuzz
In addition to his exploits, Ashwin struck a maiden Test century in India's opening innings, demonstrating his all-round ability. Ashwin's performance showcased his ability to produce under pressure despite a draw.
Ashwin's performance against New Zealand in December 2021 was nothing short of spectacular. With India defending 325, Ashwin came in and weaved a web that New Zealand couldn't escape. He took four wickets for eight runs in eight overs, redefining the term 'economy.'
Ashwin shredded the Kiwi top order, leaving them in confusion. Siraj ran riot from the other end, and New Zealand collapsed for 62. Ashwin wasn't finished yet; he returned in the second innings to add four, securing a stunning 372-run triumph. The Wankhede had witnessed yet another Ashwin masterclass—one based on accuracy and perseverance.