IND vs ENG 2024: “Rare to have players like him” – Rohit Sharma hails Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of latter’s 100th Test

Indian captain Rohit Sharma feels it is rare to have players like Ravichandran Ashwin, who is all set to play his 100th Test match at the picturesque Dharamsala against England. Ashwin has been a consistent performer for India over the years and has done a fabulous job for the country.

The veteran off-spinner has bagged a total of 507 wickets in 99 Test matches at an impressive average of 23.92 and he is the second-highest wicket-taker for India after Anil Kumble in the red-ball version.

Ashwin has taken 35 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket and he is still going strongly at the top level. The off-spinner returned with impressive figures of 5-51 in the second innings at Ranchi and played a key role in skittling out England at 145.

Furthermore, Ashwin has scored 3309 runs in his glorious Test career, including five centuries and thus has added crucial runs while batting down the order.

“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,” the Indian captain was quoted as saying by PTI.

“His performances over the last five-seven years, every series he has contributed. It is rare to have players like him,” he added.

On the other hand, Rajat Patidar has failed to grab his opportunity as he has managed only 63 runs in the three Test matches of the series. However, Rohit Sharma has backed the youngster ahead of the fifth Test.

“Rajat Patidar has very good abilities. I like him. I see him as a talented player. We need to give him some more time,” the Indian skipper commented.

The fifth and final Test match will be played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala from March 7.