Ashwin Creates History: Only Bowler with 30+ Wickets in India-SA Test Series

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Ravichandran Ashwin holds the record for taking the most wickets in a single Test series between India and South Africa. He remains the only bowler to have taken 30 or more wickets in one series against the Proteas.

This remarkable feat was achieved in 2015 when South Africa toured India for a four-match Test series. Ashwin bowled 164.4 overs and took 31 wickets at an impressive average of 11.12, conceding just 345 runs. During the series, he claimed five or more wickets in an innings on four occasions.

The first Test was played in Mohali, where Ashwin took 5 wickets for 51 runs in 24 overs in South Africa’s first innings and followed it up with 3 for 39 in the second innings, helping India win by 108 runs.

In the second Test in Bengaluru, South Africa were bowled out for 214 in the first innings. Ashwin took 4 wickets for 70 runs in 18 overs. The match ended in a draw due to rain.

The third Test in Nagpur saw India clinch victory by 124 runs to take a 2-0 lead. South Africa were bundled out for just 79 runs in the first innings, with Ashwin taking 5 wickets for 32 runs in 16.1 overs. In the second innings, he bowled 29.5 overs for 7 wickets, conceding 66 runs.

In the final Test in Delhi, Ashwin took 2 wickets for 26 runs in 13.3 overs in the first innings and 5 wickets for 61 runs in 49.1 overs in the second innings. India won the match by 337 runs and sealed the series 3-0.