Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as the highest wicket-taker in Tests for the second consecutive year, scalping 59 wickets in 10 Tests (as of November 26). The off-spinner who moved up four places in our rankings also confirmed his status as one of the world's premier all-rounders by taking over 50 wickets and scoring 500+ runs in Tests in one calendar year, the only Indian cricketer to do so besides Kapil Dev. He is the second fastest ever to take 200 Test wickets (in 37 Tests, at a strike rate of 50.7). He also has seven Man of the Series awards in Tests, the most by any Indian cricketer.
Fast Fact: Ashwin aspired to be a footballer, but stopped playing when, during a class match in 1997, he botched a penalty to save his leather shoes; he had forgotten to bring his soccer boots for the match.