'His contribution is as big as Rohit & Virat': Bangladesh legend heaps praise on R Ashwin

Bangladesh legend Tamim Iqbal has lavished praise on veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin , hailing his contribution to Team India's success as "immense" and comparable to that of batting superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma . Ashwin's outstanding performance in the first Test against Bangladesh, which India won by 280 runs, prompted Tamim's endorsement.

R Ashwin's all-round brilliance in the Chennai Test was instrumental in India's convincing victory. He top-scored with a magnificent century (113 off 133 balls) in the first innings, then followed it up with a six-wicket haul in the second innings, accounting for the dismissal of six Bangladeshi batters. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja in the first innings was particularly crucial, as the duo added 199 runs for the seventh wicket to rescue India from a precarious 144 for 6.

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Tamim Iqbal lauds R Ashwin

Tamim Iqbal, who has faced Ashwin in the past, acknowledged the spinner's significance to India's success. "What I always hear is Virat Kohlis and Rohit Sharmas, but Ravichandran Ashwin is equally important in my eyes," he said. 

"We only talk about when they do well; when they get the hundreds, they get five-six wickets. But their contribution to this Indian team is immense. It's as big as Rohit, as big as Virat Kohli ."

Ashwin's impressive display in the Chennai Test has cemented his position as the world's top Test bowler, according to the ICC rankings. His ability to deliver under pressure and make crucial contributions with both bat and ball makes him an invaluable asset to the Indian team.

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Ashwin sets his eyes on upcoming Test series

Till June, 2025, India will play nine more Tests, including a possible World Test Championship (WTC) Final in vastly differing conditions.

It motivates Ashwin to reinvent himself after each match and be ready for the next challenge.

"Like you rightly said, it's a long season. It's tough. Sometimes when you look so far ahead, it can be quite difficult. You're playing like 3-4 months of cricket, and 10 Test matches," Ashwin told reporters after the first Test against Bangladesh here.

"But sometimes you can't think like that. You have to stack it up (one match at a time). I did put in a bit of work getting into it. I need to have some reserves in the tank," he added.

(With PTI inputs)