After graduating in Economics from St Xavier's College, Mathew Varghese
did a journalism course before joining Cricinfo. Born and brought up in
Bombay, Mathew thought hailing from the same city as Sachin Tendulkar
would automatically make him inherit some of the genius. Sadly, besides
a low grip on the bat handle, he acquired nothing else. He still dreams
of being the perfect cricketer - a Bradmanesque batsman who can blend
aggression with dour defence; a bowler who can perform the roles of
McGrath, Lee and Warne; a fielder in the Jonty class; and a
captain-cum-coach with an unprecedented record.
R Ashwin reached 500 Test wickets in Rajkot, becoming the second-fastest to the milestone in terms of Tests played and balls bowled. Over the years, Ashwin has been India's ace match-winner, with stunning numbers in home matches. He's been a left-hander's nightmare, and joins the 500-club as its most accomplished batter.
