Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier off-spinner, added yet another milestone to his decorated Test career on Day 2 of the third Test against New Zealand. Taking three critical wickets for 63 runs, Ashwin surpassed Anil Kumble to become the highest wicket-taker at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, claiming 41 wickets across six matches at an average of 19.75.

Kumble held the previous record of 38 wickets in seven matches.

Ashwin’s performance on the second day of the Test provided a much-needed breakthrough for Team India. After going wicketless in the first innings with figures of 0/47 in 14 overs, he made a strong comeback in the second innings, dismantling New Zealand’s middle order.

His first wicket was that of Rachin Ravindra, whom he dismissed with a clever stumping setup. Ashwin’s bowling proved challenging for the batters, as he adjusted his tactics to outwit them, especially Glenn Phillips, who initially attacked Ashwin with two sixes. However, Ashwin had the final say, using his signature carrom ball to deceive Phillips and castling his stumps.

Switching from around the wicket to over the stumps after being hit for two sixes, he adjusted his angle and flight to create an enticing trap. Phillips, expecting another standard delivery, was left baffled as the carrom ball, pitched on the leg stump, sharply turned to hit the top of off-stump.

Ashwin’s third scalp came in the form of Will Young, who was also undone by Ashwin's well-disguised carrom ball. Attempting a drive, Young ended up hitting the ball straight back to the bowler, securing Ashwin’s third wicket and tightening India’s hold on the game. Ashwin’s impact, alongside Ravindra Jadeja’s four-wicket haul, left New Zealand struggling at 171/9 by stumps, with only a narrow lead of 143 runs.

A return in form for off-spinner

This three-wicket haul marks a vital confidence boost for Ashwin, especially as he heads into India’s upcoming five-Test series against Australia. Having managed just six wickets in the previous five innings of this series at an average of 51.33, his Day 2 performance reestablished his rhythm.

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