'We searched him on Google. He is a superstar': Ashwin on Team India's most underrated member

India and Bangladesh wrapped up the first Test of their two-match series today, with India securing a commanding 280-run victory to take a 1-0 lead. Ravichandran Ashwin was named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance, scoring a century in the first innings and taking a six-wicket haul in the final innings to help India seal the win.

Also Read: India Dominates Bangladesh in First Test Match In Chennai: Comprehensive Victory by 280 Runs

Ashwin lauds Team India's most underrated member

In the post-match press conference, R Ashwin didn’t just talk about his performance but took time to heap praise on an often overlooked member of Team India’s support staff, fielding coach T Dilip. For Ashwin, Dilip isn’t just a vital part of the team; he’s a “superstar” who has quietly elevated India’s fielding standards, particularly in the slip cordon.

“If you want to talk about fielding, where should we start? Let's talk about Dilip sir first. Actually, we’d searched for our fielding coach (in Google) and he turned out to be an internet personality. So unfair,” Ashwin told reporters here on Sunday after the first Test against Bangladesh .

“He is not an internet personality. He is our celebrity fielding coach. Superstar,” he added.

“Slip catching was a bit of a challenge a year or two ago. But Jaiswal has shown improvement in slip catching in the last year or two from the series in South Africa. He has made a very good catch here at the second slip as well,” said Ashwin.

Jaiswal made a brilliant tumbling catch at second slip on the third day here to dismiss Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan off pacer Jasprit Bumrah .

Ashwin said Jaiswal’s growth as a reliable close-in fielder has helped the team with another option beyond KL Rahul , a regular in these positions.

“ KL Rahul is an amazing fielder in second slip. And he (Jaiswal) was able to replace him in the second slip. So, according to me, they worked very hard.

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“The close-in catching, in places like short-leg, is a very difficult thing. You don't get good fielders like this. Jaiswal himself volunteers and stands up.

“He also does head-to-head work. So, all in all, we didn't get to see Dilip Sir's name not getting mentioned more prominently,” said Ashwin. 

(With PTI inputs)