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.
1/10:Top 5 records set by Ravichandran Ashwin in England series
AFP
2/10:500 Test Wickets
<p>Ravichandran Ashwin, the off-spinner who debuted in 2011, achieved a historic milestone by claiming his 500th Test wicket in Rajkot, making him the second Indian to reach this landmark.</p>AP
3/10:Prolific Test Bowler
<p>Since his debut in November 2011, Ashwin has emerged as one of the most prolific modern-day Test bowlers, with only Nathan Lyon surpassing him in terms of wickets in the format.</p>AFP
4/10:Century of Tests - 100th Test Match
<p>In the fifth Test against England at Dharamshala, Ashwin marked his 100th Test match, becoming the 14th Indian player to reach this milestone and the oldest at 37 years and 172 days.</p>AP
5/10:Record-Equalling Performance in 100th Test
<p>Ashwin etched his name in cricketing history by equaling Muttiah Muralitharan's record for the most wickets in a player's 100th Test, claiming nine wickets in the fifth Test against England.</p>Reuters
6/10:Record for Most Wickets in Tests in India
<p>During the fourth Test against England in Ranchi, Ashwin surpassed Anil Kumble's record for the most wickets taken in Tests in India, reaching a tally of 351 wickets.</p>Reuters
7/10:Top Wicket-Taker in the Series
<p>Ashwin emerged as the top wicket-taker in the Test series against England, amassing an impressive total of 22 wickets in 10 innings with a remarkable bowling average of 24.80.</p>Reuters
8/10:Most Five-Wicket Hauls in Test Cricket
<p>Ashwin achieved a new milestone in his 100th Test, holding the record for the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket and becoming the first player to achieve this feat both on debut and in his 100th Test.</p>Reuters
9/10:consistent Five-Wicket Hauls
<p>Ashwin's excellence is highlighted by his consistent performance, having taken 36 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket as of now.</p>Reuters
10/10:Awe-Inspiring Bowling Average
<p>Throughout the England series, Ashwin showcased his bowling prowess with an awe-inspiring average of 24.80, solidifying his status as a premier spin bowler in international cricket.</p>AFP"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.
