India vs New Zealand, 1st Test: Ravichandran Ashwin becomes fastest Indian to take 200 Test wickets

New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin, arguably the best spin-bowling talent currently available at India's disposal, becomes the fastest bowler from the country to take 200 wickets, 2nd fastest overall.

The off-spinner achieved the feat in his 37 Test match agianst New Zealand at Green Park Kanpur. His 200th dismissal was special, as he trapped Kiwi captian Kane Williamson right in front of the stumps.

With an average of 25.2 and strike rate of 51.8, Ashwin has picked up wickets at regular intervals, winning matches for team India.

The spinner had also got the better of Williamson in the first innings, when he went through the defence of the visiting captain with a vicious off-spinner. (READ: WATCH: Ravichandran Ashwin's magic ball that bamboozled Kane Williamson on Day 3)

The record of fastest 200 wickets in Test cricket is held by Australia's Clarence Grimmett, who achieved the feat 36 Test matches.

With this feat, Ashwin left behind the likes of Dennis Lillee and Waqar Younis, who took 38 Tests to get to 200 wickets. South African pacer Dale Steyn took 39 Tests to reach the landmark.

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. (READ: India vs New Zealand, 1st Test: Day 4 Report — Virat Kohli & Co close in on big win)

"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.

Here's how Twitter exploded after this milestone was achieved:

Well done @ashwinravi99 on a fantastic achievement! Keep it going! @BCCI https://t.co/MSwLlZSqTS — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) September 25, 2016

Man of the moment @ashwinravi99 all smiles after claiming his 200th in the #500thTest @Paytm Test Cricket pic.twitter.com/THqpoGmQqi — BCCI (@BCCI) September 25, 2016

With this 3rd wicket, AshWIN becomes the fastest Asian and the 2nd fastest in the world to get to 200 Test wickets. #INDvNZ #500thTest — The Gujarat Lions (@TheGujaratLions) September 25, 2016

Congratulations on 200 Test wickets @ashwinravi99! #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/wnJpHzZwHG — ICC (@ICC) September 25, 2016

#ashwin200 takes 200 Test wickets in just 37 matches in India's 500th Test match pic.twitter.com/sAgVAlw2Zp — MaxMadrasi (@maxmadrasi) September 25, 2016

Quickest to 200 Test wickets (Least matches)
36- Clarrie Grimmett
37- RAVI ASHWIN
38- D Lillee / W Younis
39- Dale Steyn#IndvNZ #500thTest — Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) September 25, 2016

R Ashwin 200 wickets in 37 Tests!
Just behind Aussie Clarrie Grimmett who did it in 36 Tests (in Feb 1936)#IndvNZ#500thTest#India500 — Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) September 25, 2016

2nd fastest to 200 test wickets in the history of the game! Aus leggie Clarie Grimett took 36 tests in 1936, Ashwin clocks it in 37 #IndvNZ — jatin sapru (@jatinsapru) September 25, 2016

Fastest Indian to..

50 Test wkts - Ashwin
100 Test wkts - Ashwin
150 Test wkts - Ashwin
200 Test wkts - Ashwin#IndvsNZ #500thTest — Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) September 25, 2016

(With agency inputs)