No praise enough for Ashwin, rare to have players like him: Rohit Sharma

DHARAMSALA: No praise is enough for Ravichandran Ashwin, said India captain Rohit Sharma on Wednesday as he lauded the senior off-spinner ahead of his 100 Tests, calling him a “rare” talent who has contributed consistently to the team’s success.

The fifth and final Test against England, starting here on Thursday, is inconsequential to the final outcome of the series as India have already taken an unbeaten 3-1 lead.

But it has become significant due to the 100-Test milestone set to be achieved by Ashwin and England batter Jonny Bairstow.

“(It’s a) big achievement for any player to play 100 Tests. It is a big milestone. He has been a match winner for us. What he has done for us, no praise is enough,” Rohit said on the eve of the match.

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

Ashwin has 507 Test wickets, making him only the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to go past the 500-wicket mark.