Ramiz acknowledged Ashwin's immense contribution in India’s 2-0 Test series win over Bangladesh.
Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja acknowledged Ravichandran Ashwin's immense contribution in India’s 2-0 Test series win over Bangladesh, saying that the latter has not received the kind of status as an all-rounder that he deserves.
In the recently concluded two-match Test series, Ashwin stood at the top as the joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Jasprit Bumrah with 11 scalps. He also scored 114 runs at a strike rate of 83.21 and deservedly earned the 'Player of the Series' award.
Ashwin starred with both bat and ball in the opening Test at Chepauk. He slammed a dazzling century (113 off 133) in the first innings when India were struggling at 144/6. He also tormented the visitors with a five-wicket haul (6/88) in the second dig.
"See how the bowlers supported Rohit Sharma in this victory innings. Fast bowlers dominated in the first inning and spinners shined in the second innings. It was an amazing Test series for Ashwin. He scoring a century at home and also taking six wickets is an amazing mastery and an amazing all-round ability, perhaps he has not got the kind of status in cricket that he should get as an all-rounder," Ramiz said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
"Ashwin is no less than anyone else, he scores century at every opportunity, and takes wickets at every opportunity and doesn't show too much pride, doesn't make any drama after taking a wicket, doesn't make any drama after scoring a century," he added.
Reflecting on India's dominance, Ramiz also admitted that Rohit Sharma's side is the strongest team to beat on their home soil.
"India won the Test match easily against Bangladesh. At this point, India is the strongest team to beat on their home soil... Bangladesh had to do a lot to give a tough time to such a successful team because winning a Test match can only be a dream for any visiting team. Bangladesh didn't have the capacity to challenge India...," he remarked.
With this series win, Team India strengthened their position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. They are firm-favorites to make it to the WTC final for the third consecutive time.
India’s next Test series, featuring three matches, is scheduled against New Zealand at home, starting October 16 in Bengaluru.