"Didn't Allow Challenges To Check His Progress": Anil Kumble On Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin's entry into the 500-wicket club has delighted the legendary Anil Kumble who said the off-spinner's immense success over the last decade stems from his desire to learn and ability to rise above constant challenges. At 516 wickets currently, Ashwin is the second highest wicket-taker in Tests for India behind Kumble (619), and the former India leg-spinner wasn't one bit surprised.

"Ashwin has had as many challenges thrown at him. He hasn't allowed a single one of them to check his progress. He's been an exceptional match-winner for the country for more than a decade, and the consistency that he has shown is a great hallmark.

"That calls for utter and complete dedication to the cause," said Kumble during a function organised by Tamil Nadu Cricket Association to felicitate Ashwin for completing 100 Tests and 500 wickets.

Kumble said Ashwin has been able to tackle the huge amount of expectations placed on him by the ever-demanding Indian fans.

"In India, once you have raised the bar to a certain level, it isn't easy to keep performing. The expectations in every game are unrealistically high. Anything less than five wickets is considered a failure. Although unfair to the player concerned, Ashwin has managed that really well," Kumble said.

But those numbers are the result of Ashwin's bloody-minded work on and off the field, reckoned Kumble.

"His numbers have been outstanding. There is no fun in stacking up the wickets if it doesn't help the team win. He has an overwhelming correlation with his and India's success. He's seldom been satisfied with being very good or even excellent. Each day, he wants to be better than the previous one. That's the sign of a great learner," he said.

Kumble also praised Ashwin