'Stole The Fifer From...' - R Ashwin's Cheeky Reply After Kuldeep's Superb Show In Ranchi

Ravichandran Ashwin picks his 35th fifer in Test cricket (AP)

This five-match Test series has been nothing short of monumental for India's premier spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin. He picked his 500th Test wicket in the ongoing series and with the fifer in the third innings of the Ranchi Test, he has surpassed Anil Kumble to become the bowler with the most wickets on Indian soil. 

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While both Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin were dominating the English batters, there was a little contest going on between the two about who would be able to scalp a fifer. Kuldeep was on four wickets when Ashwin was recalled into the attack to get over with the tail and the former took just four deliveries to get through the remaining two batters and complete a sensational fifer. 

After the day's play, Ashwin shared how he felt to be able to contribute for the team and how he stole Kuldeep's fifer. 

"I have enjoyed bowling with the new ball a lot and it was one of those days when Rohit said in the huddle to me and Jadeja. Who wants to start? I put my hand up and asked to bowl from this end and I am glad. I had to go back and rewire the way I think about the game. I like the ball to drop on the pitch. In the Eastern part of the country, I don't find the bite. The bounce is near the shin height if I can say that. I had to rely on the side spin and from the other side I felt there was a little bit of purchase from the old ball. It was a mental switch I had to make."

On being asked about bowling with Kuldeep Yadav, Ashwin could not stop himself from praising the youngster and how he has evolved with time.

"Kuldeep bowled brilliantly. I loved the way he was working on his run-up, changing the momentum and all sorts of stuff. We all know how much revs he can put on the ball, what skill he's got but he is willing to change the trajectory now. He is double the bowler he is. I just stole the fifer from him but that's how the game goes. You can pick all the wickets you want but winning a Test match is the best thing to happen to a cricketer. The feeling is surreal. I want to have that feeling tomorrow."

After this phenomenal effort from the Indian spinners, India managed to restrict the visitors to just 191 and will be looking to seal the series on day four.