Record-breaking Ravichandran Ashwin now eyes Virat Kohli's position in Test side

New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin earned himself a slice of personal history during India's 500th Test in Kanpur.

The off-spinner became the fastest Indian and second overall to enter the 200-wicket club in Test cricket.

On the back of Ashwin's wizardry, the home side carved out a comprehensive 197-run win against New Zealand in the 1st Test.

Ahead of the series opener, former India captain termed Ashwin has the current team's most valuable player, even ahead of skipper Virat Kohli.

Kapil's comments came after the Tamil Nadu cricketer hit two tons in the four-match Test series against West Indies.

Ashwin has never disappointed with the ball, but the improvement in his batting added a new dimension to this Indian Test side.

The 30-year-old was promoted in the batting order after Anil Kumble took over as coach of the team.

This has not only boosted Ashwin's confidence but has got him aiming even higher.

After the Kanpur Test, he told reporters about his ambitions of batting at the number four slot. 

Currently Virat bats at that position, which makes it realistically impossible for Ashwin to occupy that position.

"I want to bat at number 4, I know it is not realistically possible, but if I will not think big, then my career will not grow," Ashwin said.

With such lofty goals and ambitions, there is bound to be a significant improvement in Ashwin's batting in the near future.​

The potential transformation of Ashwin into a genuine all-rounder will go a long way in helping India to become a dominant force in Test cricket.