IND vs NZ, 3rd Test: R Ashwin Scripts History, Joins Anil Kumble In Elite List After Taking Three Wicket Haul

On the back of his brilliant performances, he also became the highest wicket-taker at the Wankhede Stadium. He now has taken 41 wickets under his kitty after playing in six Test matches at an average of 19.75, which also includes three-wicket hauls and 1 10-fers. He also went past legendary wrist spinner Anil Kumble's record of taking 38 wickets after playing in seven Test matches.

He failed to take a wicket during the first innings but then bounced back during the second innings by dismissing Rachin Ravindra during the third session. He then dismissed Glenn Phillips, who had earlier hit him for a few sixes. But it was Ashwin, who bamboozled the Kiwi batter by bowling a carrom ball which uprooted his stumps.

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After being hit for a few sixes, Ashwin quickly changed his bowling style. This worked in his favor as he bowled a brilliant carrom delivery, which had hit the leg stump and turned sharply, and had hit the top of the off-stump and thus left Phillips stunned. After his plan was successful, Ashwin was seen celebrating with a roar by punching in the air.

New Zealand takes 143-run lead on Day 2

He then also dismissed Will Young, who too failed to bat against his carrom ball and ended up smashing the ball directly towards him and helping him take his third wicket. On the first day, he was wicketless and registered figures of 0/47 in the 14 overs that he bowled.

He has taken just six wickets during the first five innings of this series, at an average of 51.33. And that's why taking these three wickets must have boosted his confidence before the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. At the same time, on the back of a brilliant performance by both Ashwin and Jadeja, the Kiwis ended the second day at 171/9 and were leading by 143 runs.