Ravichandran Ashwin is being flooded with love on social media as he donned the India whites for the 100th time in his career on Thursday, March 7, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
Playing 100 Test matches for a country like India, which is a cricketing powerhouse, is a monumental feat. Only 13 Indian players had reached the landmark before Ashwin. Ahead of the commencement of the fifth Test between India and England, the Indian players and support staff walked out to the pitch to felicitate the legendary off-spinner with a special cap to mark the memorable occasion.
The seasoned campaigner’s wife, Prithi Narayanan, and daughters, Akhira and Aadhya, were also present during the felicitation ceremony. Ashwin, who was fighting hard to hold back his tears, handed the cap, kept in a glass cabinet, to his daughter.
“(It’s a) big achievement for any player to play 100 Tests. It is a big milestone. He has been a match-winner for us. What he has done for us, no praise is enough,” Rohit Sharma said on the eve of the match.
The Indian team also gave a guard of honour to Ashwin as he was making his way out into the centre for the start of play.
The Test series has been special for Ashwin for several reasons. He picked up his 500th wicket in the third Test in Rajkot and also broke Anil Kumble’s record (350) for the most Test wickets taken by a bowler in India during the fourth Test in Ranchi. He has picked up 17 wickets so far in the series and would love to add to his overall tally 507 Test scalps during the fifth Test at the picturesque Dharamsala.
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Here’s how the cricket fraternity reacted to Ravichandran Ashwin becoming the 14th Indian player to play 100 Test matches:
100th test is a remarkable achievement from a champion cricketer. Test cricket is a lifestyle that requires utmost discipline, it’s a testimony of ur hunger , dedication and passion !! Have a wonderful game and enjoy every bit of it @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/MM2SuTlbcT
— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) March 7, 2024
Congratulations legend my friend for the remarkable achievement 🇮🇳💯 Test @ashwinravi99 #INDvsENGTest pic.twitter.com/3ufbmGrQbh
— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) March 7, 2024
A milestone moment for Ravichandran Ashwin as he becomes the 14th man to play 100 Test matches for India 👏#INDvENG | #WTC25
More 👉 https://t.co/mAx8iRAZWE pic.twitter.com/hfP6Mru3vB
— ICC (@ICC) March 7, 2024
It’s a historic day in Dharamsala as @ashwinravi99 and @jbairstow21 don the international whites for the 100th time. An incredible achievement that speaks volumes about their passion and perseverance for red-ball cricket. I wish them both a fantastic game ahead!#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/XTvzApvHEI
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 7, 2024
A perennial student of the game who’s unafraid to go against convention. Has love and respect for the game, and is a true cricket fan. Could probably be last of his craft to play 100 Tests. Very big shoes to fill when he calls it a day, so celebrate him till he’s there. #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/7hIFMMRtSn
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 7, 2024
Congratulations on your 💯 tests @ashwinravi99 Proud of all your achievements. Continue to win matches for India. A champion par excellence! Many more to come. 👏👏
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) March 7, 2024
100 test matches is some achievement. Very proud of you @ashwinravi99 . First man from Tamil Nadu to reach this peak.Fabulous stuff. Now just go and get another fifer 💪🏾😄 #INDvsENG
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) March 7, 2024
Many many congratulations @ashwinravi99 on the 100th Test.
A learner and a match-winner with great hunger to do well and keep on improvising as he plays more.
Go well , Ashwin and may you enjoy the time ahead even more. pic.twitter.com/xOvJ804oPc
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) March 7, 2024
A remarkable achievement by a remarkable cricketer. 100 Tests is a tribute to Ashwin’s passion, hunger, drive, pursuit of excellence and great endurance. To keep striving to get better is the hallmark of a true champion.
Go well, Ash, have a wonderful game @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/8dsUxScLPo
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 7, 2024
What a proud feeling to be representing #TeamIndia in 100 tests! Go well @ashwinravi99 🇮🇳 #INDvENG
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) March 7, 2024
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