Kanpur: Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Sunday became the fastest Indian bowler and second fastest bowler overall to claim 200 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in his 37th match.
Ashwin is just behind Australia's Clarrie Grimmett who took 36 Tests to achieve the feat, and ahead of greats Waqar Younis of Pakistan and Australia's Dennis Lillee who both took 38 Tests.
Ashwin reached 200 by dimissing New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson in Kanpur, where India are playing their 500th Test.
Ashwin is the second fastest bowler to take 200 Test wickets. (Photo: BCCI/Twitter)
Ashwin earlier dented New Zealand's chances by sending openers Tom Latham and Martin Gutpill back to the pavilion, as the visitors chase a mammoth 434 for victory on four day.
Ashwin, who has so far taken seven wickets in the Kanpur Test, said he enjoyed his last 100 wickets.
"Ever since coming back from Australia (in 2014-15), I have been enjoying my last 100 wickets. I was planning my wickets better," said Ashwin after stumps on day four.
"The challenge from the opposition is always good. For example, Williamson was playing really well. Taylor was playing back. It's a combination of playing good batsmen, conditions and match situations that makes this satisfying.
"I think its too early to talk about my achievements I have a long way to go. (12 more Tests to go in the season) Very important to take one day at a time, Test cricket can set you back if you take it for granted. Be greedy in terms of what you want to achieve, but preparing for a Test, you have to take it one day at a time," he added.
The 30-year-old from Chennai, who made his debut against the West Indies in 2011, is currently ranked third in the International Cricket Council (ICC) ratings for Test bowlers.
Ashwin, who has become India's frontline bowler, also becomes the fastest off-spinner in history to reach 200 wickets.
Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan managed to take 200 wickets in 42 Tests, followed by Lance Gibbs of the West Indies, Pakistan's Saqlain Mushtaq and India's Harbhajan Singh.
