Ravichandran Ashwin joins legends Kapil Dev, Garfield Sobers in exclusive ‘all-rounders’ club | Cricket News – Times of India

Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday joined an elite group of all-rounders who have recorded multiple centuries and five-wicket hauls at the same Test venue. This rare achievement, accomplished by only a few legendary cricketers, highlights Ashwin’s exceptional skills with both bat and ball.
Ashwin sparkled on home turf with his sixth Test hundred, his second in Chennai, as he remained unbeaten on 102 off 112 balls which included 10 fours and two sixes.

Ashwin (102*) and Jadeja (86*) added 195 runs for a riveting unbroken seventh wicket stand to steer India out of trouble and post a formidable 339/6 on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh after young pacer Hasan Mahmud (4/58) reduced the hosts to 144/6.

West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, was the first to achieve this feat. At Headingley, Sobers scored two centuries and took two five-wicket hauls in Test matches, solidifying his legacy as a versatile and dominant player.
Kapil Dev, India’s iconic all-rounder, achieved this milestone in Chennai, where he also scored two hundreds and picked up two five-fors. Kapil’s ability to excel in both departments made him an indispensable figure for Indian cricket during the 1980s, and his performances in Chennai remain some of his most memorable.
Multiple five-fors and Test hundreds at a venue in Tests

Chris Cairns of New Zealand, a powerful hitter and crucial bowler, completed this rare double at Auckland, where he scored two centuries and took two five-wicket hauls. Cairns’ contributions to New Zealand cricket were significant, and his achievements place him among the best all-rounders of his era.
Ian Botham, one of England’s finest cricketers, achieved this milestone at Headingley as well. Botham’s impact on the game was enormous, and his record of two hundreds and three five-wicket hauls at the venue cements his place in cricketing history.
Ashwin now joins this prestigious list with his performances at Chennai, where he has scored two centuries and taken four five-wicket hauls. Ashwin’s ability to dominate matches with both bat and ball at this venue is a testament to his all-round prowess, and his four five-fors set him apart as one of the most impactful players in modern cricket.