Wonderful to see Ashwin right up there, says Anil Kumble after off-spinner equals his record

New Delhi, Feb 25 (IANS) Former cricketer and chief coach Anil Kumble praised Ravichandran Ashwin for equaling his record of most five-wicket hauls by an Indian during the fourth Test against England in Ranchi. Ashwin’s remarkable spell helped India dominate the match after dismissing England for 145 in the second innings.

Ashwin’s 5-51 in the second innings of the fourth Test saw him join Kumble with 35 five-fors in Tests. Kumble expressed his admiration for Ashwin’s performance, stating, “It is wonderful to see Ashwin right up there and I’m sure he will go beyond that. He still has a lot of matches to play for India.”

Kumble also highlighted the pressures Ashwin faces due to his exceptional start in Test cricket, urging him to block out the noise of critics. The off-spinner’s crucial contribution in the fourth Test came after a shaky performance in the previous matches against England.

Ashwin’s impressive haul of 5-51 in 15.5 overs included crucial wickets of key English batsmen like Joe Root and Ben Foakes. His performance was instrumental in India’s commanding position in the match, showcasing his skill and determination on the field.