Exclusive! You Should Be Proud Of Yourself: L Balaji Lauds R Ashwin On Historic 500 Test Wickets Feat

Star India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin created history as he joined an elite club as he completed 500 Test wickets on Friday (February 16) in the third Test against England at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.

The 37-year-old off-spinner became the ninth player, and only the second Indian, to complete 500 Test wickets. During the final session on day two of the match, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder also became the second-fastest to achieve this feat, reaching in his 98th Test. Only Muttiah Muralidaran has taken fewer matches (87).

Ashwin Scales Mt 500

Former India pacer, Lakshmipathy Balaji, applauded the fellow Tamil Nadu cricketer on completing the milestone, dubbing him one of the brilliant students of the game. Balaji - who has played 8 Tests, 30 ODIs and 5 T20Is for India - backed him to achieve many more glories.

In an exclusive chat with myKhel, Balaji said, "It is a phenomenal achievement, and what Ashwin has done so far is brilliant. I'm sure he will go on to take many more wickets in future matches to come."

L Balaji Hails Ashwin's Consistency

When asked about Ashwin's consistency, Balaji, the former Chennai Super Kings [a franchise with which Ashwin made his IPL debut and went on to represent India under MS Dhoni's captaincy] bowler, replied, "He has always been a great student of the game, never doubting his abilities and character. He has consistently been at the top of the world as a bowler during this period, showcasing his achievements and cricketing intelligence. He's a complete cricketer."

'Ashwin Comes Back Stronger Every Time'

Balaji and Ashwin played together for CSK when the franchise lifted its maiden IPL trophy in 2010. Talking about what he admires about Ashwin's bowling, the former CSK bowling coach commended his never-back-down spirit.

The 42-year-old former pacer added, "I like how he conducts himself and comes back every time he has been pushed against the wall. I admire the character with which he steps up every time. He has always left his impact with his consistency."

R Ashwin Should Be Proud: Balaji

Ashwin's 500th wicket came at the right moment for India in the game as the English openers were going well, having put up an 89-run partnership in just 13 overs in response to India's first-innings score of 445. The right-arm spinner ended the partnership by getting Crawley out with a top-edged sweep caught by Rajat Patidar at short fine leg.

Commenting on Ashwin's journey so far in international cricket, Balaji remarked, "Everyone loves to play Test Cricket, and everyone wants to play the highest form of Cricket. When it comes to Test Cricket, donning those Test whites, having played nearly 100 Tests, and taking 500 wickets, you should be proud of yourself.

"As a youngster, you started your career and chased your dreams to represent your country. Your sustainability is something very important in an international career. So it's been a phenomenal career so far," he signed off.

Since his debut in November 2011, Ashwin has played a crucial role in India's success at home in Test cricket. He has achieved 34 five-wicket hauls and eight match hauls of ten or more wickets. Among Indian bowlers in Tests, only Anil Kumble with 619 wickets is ahead of Ashwin. Additionally, he is the third off-spinner to reach this milestone, joining Muttiah Muralitharan and Nathan Lyon.