Ravichandran Ashwin thanks Virat Kohli after ending year as No.1 Test bowler

New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday thanked India's Test captain Virat Kohli after ending 2015 as the No. 1 Test bowler in the ICC rankings.

“I would like to thank my Test captain Virat Kohli, who has been a big influence, and, of course, the team management, my team-mates and the BCCI for their continued support,” said Ashwin.

Kohli took charge of India's Test captaincy earlier this year after MS Dhoni's retirement after the third Test against Australia.

The off-spinner's 31-wicket haul in the four Tests against South Africa propelled him to the top of the rankings.

Overall, the Chennai lad picked up 62 wickets in nine Tests this year to became the first India bowler since Bishen Bedi in 1973 to achieve the milestone of finishing the year on top.

"Replicating what Mr. Bedi did is something I am very proud of. The former India captain was a master at his craft and I am very humbled to follow in his footsteps," Ashwin further added.

Ashwin emerged as India's premier strike bowler in 2015 and the team will be hoping for him to replicate that form in the new year.