“Why should I hold the second position from him?” - Kapil Dev on Ashwin’s milestone

Ravichandran Ashwin’s record-breaking performance makes Kapil Dev optimistic about more such fabulous spells from Ashwin. The off-spinner broke Dev’s tally of 434 Test wickets to become India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format. Ashwin, after breaking the same took to social media to pen a heartfelt post. 

"28 years ago, I was cheering the great @therealkapildev on to get his world record tally of wickets," he wrote. "I never had the slightest of ideas that I would become an off-spinner, play for my country and even manage to go past the great man's tally of wickets. I am delighted and very grateful to what this game has given me so far."

The record was first broken by Anil Kumble in 2004 during a Test match against Bangladesh and now 18 years later Ashwin took the place. A day later after the astonishing spell by Ashwin at Mohali, Kapil Dev told Mid-Day.

“It’s a great achievement, especially from a guy who did not get enough opportunities in the recent past. Had he got those opportunities, he would have crossed 434 much earlier. I am happy for him; why should I hold it [the second position] from him? My time has passed," the greatest Indian all-rounder added.

Dev opined that Ashwin can add many more to his tally and India’s current off-spinner should target 500 Test scalps as his next target. 

"Ashwin is a fabulous cricketer, an excellent and intelligent spinner. He should now target 500 Test scalps, which I am sure he will try and achieve. In fact, many more [wickets] than that." 

Meanwhile, India won the first Test against Sri Lanka at Mohali that saw Ashwin reaching the milestone of Day 3 of the game dismissing Charith Asalanka in the second innings. Ashwin completed the match six wickets to his name as India took a 1-0 series with a dominating win.