NEW DELHI: Cricket legend
Sunil Gavaskar
fondly reminisced about England batter
Joe Root
's profound admiration for
Ravichandran Ashwin
's prowess on the field in a heartfelt exchange following the conclusion of the India vs England
Test series
.
Ahead of the fifth Test match in Dharamsala, Root had articulated the formidable challenge posed by Ashwin to premier batters, highlighting the spinner's knack for consistently troubling opponents with his crafty bowling variations.
Gavaskar, in conversation with Ashwin after the match on JioCinema, highlighted the significance of Root's praise for the seasoned all-rounder, stating, "That has always been the highlight of your career... I mean, that's fascinating to watch, you know how the mind is working, trying to outfox the batter."
Ashwin, marking his 100th Test appearance for
Team India
, delivered a stellar performance, claiming nine wickets as India clinched victory by an innings and 64 runs. Setting a new record, Ashwin registered the best bowling figures (9 for 128) in a 100th Test, surpassing Muthiah Muralitharan's record.
Reflecting on Root's remarks, Gavaskar conveyed the sentiment shared by many cricket enthusiasts, emphasizing Ashwin's ability to outwit batters with a diverse array of deliveries and tactical maneuvers.
"A lot of good players of spin bowling will be thinking a hundred times about how to cope with you," Gavaskar remarked, echoing Root's sentiments.
In response, Ashwin credited his adaptability and willingness to experiment, acknowledging the evolving nature of modern cricket and the importance of staying ahead in a game increasingly influenced by detailed analysis and strategic planning.
Ashwin's remarkable achievements in Test cricket, including his record-breaking 36 five-wicket hauls, underscore his status as one of India's premier bowlers. With a stellar performance in the series against England, Ashwin further solidified his reputation as a key asset for the Indian team across all formats.
As Ashwin embarks on his journey beyond the milestone of 100 Tests, his contributions to Indian cricket continue to inspire admiration and reverence from fans and peers alike. With upcoming challenges on the horizon, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Bangladesh Test series, Ashwin's leadership and expertise are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping India's cricketing fortunes in the times to come.
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