India captain Rohit Sharma hailed senior off-spinner R Ashwin as a "rare" talent whose contributions have been instrumental in the team's success as Ashwin prepares to play his 100th Test match.

The upcoming fifth and final Test against England which will be played in Dharamshala from March 7 onwards will see Ashwin and Jonny Bairstow playing their 100 Tests.

Ashwin recently went past the 500 Test wickets mark becoming only the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble (619) to achieve the feat.

"Big achievement for any player to play 100 Tests. He has been a match-winner for us. What he has done for us, no praise is enough. His performances over the last five-seven years, every series he has contributed. It is rare to have players like him,” Rohit Sharma said ahead of the fifth Test.

Rohit Sharma also backed struggling Rajat Patidar to come good, emphasizing the need to afford him more opportunities to showcase his talent and potential.

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"Rajat Patidar has very good abilities. I like him. I see him as a talented player. We need to give him some more time," remarked Rohit.

Reflecting on the ongoing series against England, Rohit Sharma praised the team's resilience in dealing with difficult situations, highlighting their ability to convert pressure into opportunities to impose dominance over the opponent.

"It has been a series of comebacks for us. Whenever we were put under pressure we were able to put the pressure back on the opposition. That was pleasing for me," he said.

Rohit Sharma also shared his views on the Dharamshala pitch and said that it looked like a typical Indian pitch, acknowledging the potential for movement when temperatures drop.

"Looks like a typical Indian pitch. There will be some movement when the temperature drops but looks like a good pitch," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)