What is Ravichandran Ashwin's record in Test cricket at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai?
Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been a central figure in the side's success in Test matches at home. He possesses a stellar record in red-ball matches India have won at home. The Tamil Nadu cricketer has been a part of 47 home Test triumphs, claiming 303 scalps at an average of 18.16, including 26 five-fers.
The 38-year-old, though, has failed to work his magic in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand. It's no coincidence that the hosts are 2-0 down in the three-match series, having lost their first Test series at home in 12 years. Ashwin picked up only one wicket in the first Test in Bengaluru. In the second Test in Pune, he registered figure of 3-64 and 2-97.
The veteran off-spinner will be keen to come up with a much better effort in the third and final Test against the Kiwis at the Wankhede in Mumbai. Although the series has already been decided, the hosts still have a lot to play for, keeping qualification for the World Test Championship final in mind.
How Ravichandran Ashwin has fared in Tests at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai
Ashwin has a highly impressive Test record at the Wankhede in Mumbai. In five matches, he has claimed 38 wickets at an average of 18.42, with three five-fers.
The off-spinner's best innings figures of 6-55 at the venue were registered in the second innings against England in December 2016. The seasoned bowler had also claimed 6-112 in the first innings as India hammered the visitors by an innings and 36 runs. Despite Ashwin's heroics, Virat Kohli (235) was the Player of the Match.
The Tamil Nadu cricketer picked up a five-fer in his very first Test at the venue in a draw against the West Indies in November 2011. He claimed 5-156 in the first innings and 4-34 in the second. It was a memorable all-round game for Ashwin, who also scored 103 off 118 in the first innings, slamming 15 fours and two sixes.
The 38-year-old managed only two scalps as India went down to England by 10 wickets in November 2012. In a Test against the West Indies in November 2013, he registered figures of 3-45 and 4-89 as the hosts thumped the Windies by an innings and 126 runs.
Ashwin's previous Test at the Wankhede was against New Zealand in December 2021. He starred with 4-8 in the first innings and 4-34 in the second as India beat New Zealand by 372 runs despite Kiwi left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel picking up all 10 wickets in India's first innings.