Ravichandran Ashwin is slowly but surely climbing up the ladder of bowlers in the list of most Test wickets. The Indian spinner currently has 430 victims to his name in 83 Tests which is a brilliant record.??
The immediate bowlers in his sights are Richard Hadlee (431), Rangana Herath, Kapil Dev (434) and Dale Steyn (439). But he is still some distance away from India's top wicket-taker Anil Kumble. Kumble is currently in 4th place on the overall list with 619.
Among current bowlers, Ashwin is in the 3rd spot after James Anderson (640) and Stuart Broad (531). On the overall list, he is in 12th position.?
Now the question is - will Ashwin be able to go past Kumble? The man needs 190 wickets to become India's highest wicket-taker and also finish in the top 5. This is based on the assumption that Broad shall surpass Kumble. If that doesn't happen then Ashwin shall take 4th spot. But it is easier said than done.?
Ashwin turns 36 this year. So it is a race against time. Depending on his strike rate of taking wickets, it could take him 3 to 5 years to go past Kumble. That's assuming he is still playing at that time as form and fitness have a role in the matter.?
The closest after Ashwin among active players is Nathan Lyon who has 411 scalps. But he turns 35 this year so the time factor comes into play.?
While Anderson occupies 3rd spot on the list, the top 2 positions go to Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708). While that is too far off for Ashwin to consider barring maybe 5 years of outstanding performances with the ball, he can push himself to go past Kumble. Glenn McGrath is in the 5th spot with 563.
It is not impossible, but it is very difficult. It remains to be seen when and if he does it. Should he do so, it shall enhance his legacy as a player. If he cannot, it does not tarnish his legacy one bit.? ? ??