'He has got five hundred and he showed how he got those' - Sunil Gavaskar praises Ashwin's heroics against Bangladesh

Former India captain, world-cup winner, and a legend of the game - Sunil Gavaskar, was all praises for Shreyas Iyer and Ravichandran Ashwin, who took India to a brilliant victory on Sunday, December 25, over Bangladesh in the second Test in Dhaka. Gavaskar praised Iyer and Ashwin for maintaining composure and taking advantage of scoring chances as they put on a 71-run unbroken stand to help India defeat Bangladesh by three wickets and advance towards the World Test Championship final.

Under stand-in skipper KL Rahul’s leadership, India won the first game comfortably by 188 runs and looked for a 2-0 whitewash. Though they were able to achieve it, the path towards victory had multiple obstacles. Bangladesh spinners dominated the final innings as the Indian batters struggled, until Shreyas Iyer and Ravichandran Ashwin teamed up.

Gavaskar spared special appreciation for Ashwin, calling him a terrific cricketer who deserves more recognition than just his bowling.

“They both look utterly calm there. The tension must have been unbelievable out there. But somebody like Ashwin, has been a fantastic cricketer. People only talk about his bowling but he has got five hundred and he showed how he got those. Terrific innings from him and a great partnership with Shreyas Iyer,” said Gavaskar while speaking on Sony Sports Network.

Iyer and Ashwin took their scoring opportunities: Gavaskar

India started the fourth day on 45/4, but lost three wickets quickly in the opening hour and were stranded at 74/7 while chasing 145. When Iyer and Ashwin established an undefeated stand, they crushed the dreams of the local crowd, who had already started to cheer at the thought of a strategic triumph.

"They took their scoring opportunities. They were not afraid of playing their shots, with Iyer in particular. That lofted shot over extra cover was brilliantly executed, forcing the bowler to bowl a little bit short," Gavaskar added.

It was India’s final game before the end of the year 2022, and the team managed to end the year on a high note, keeping their World Test Championship finals berth hopes alive.