Exclusive: I am sure Ashwin can go past Kumble if he plans it well, says legendary Kapil

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Our very own legendary Kapil Dev’s belief in R Ashwin’s potential to surpass Anil Kumble’s Test wicket tally carries immense weight. Kapil himself once held the record as the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, surpassing the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee, so he understands the dedication and longevity required to achieve such feats. His endorsement of Ashwin is a strong vote of confidence, recognising the off-spinner’s unmatched skill, mental toughness, and adaptability.

As Kapil rightly suggests, records are meant to be broken, and Ashwin’s hunger for more success makes this possibility very real. “You will have to plan it well. The new generation is always better than the predecessors. That is the way of life. I am sure Ashwin can go past Kumble if he plans it well,” Kapil told CricBlogger in an exclusive chat.

Kapil has outlined a clear and focused plan for Ashwin to surpass Kumble’s record of 619 Test wickets, emphasising consistency and target-setting. “Ashwin should aim to take around seven to eight wickets in every Test match, which is a reasonable expectation given his track record in spin-friendly conditions, especially in India. If Ashwin plays approximately 10 Test matches in India, where conditions often favour his style of bowling, he could accumulate around 70 wickets, bringing him significantly closer to Kumble’s record,” Kapil said.

This approach is not just about playing more matches but about maximising each opportunity, which Ashwin has a knack for doing. His ability to thrive on Indian pitches, where spin plays a dominant role, gives him an edge. “Ashwin should set a target to break that record. If he can execute this plan over the next few seasons and maintain his form and fitness, breaking Kumble’s record seems very much within reach,” Kapil said.

Kapil’s confidence in Ashwin echoes the sentiments of many cricketing experts who recognise that despite Ashwin’s age, his craftiness with the ball and continuous quest for improvement make him a serious contender to break this monumental record.

So, how did the legend himself plan his 434 Test scalps? “When I started playing Test cricket, my target was 100 wickets. It then became 200 and followed by 300. After 300 wickets, I started to make small targets like 350 wickets and so on. It is very important to train your mind in that fashion,” Kapil Dev said while wishing good luck to the one and only Ashwin.