Sourav Ganguly praises 'all-time great' R. Ashwin ahead of 100th Test

India and England will continue their ongoing five-match Test series with the fifth and final Test at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) in Dharamsala from March 7. The clash could be a consolation one for the visitors as Rohit Sharma-led India has already taken an unassailable lead in the series, defeating England in the second, third, and fourth Tests in Visakhapatnam, Rajkot and Ranchi, respectively.

This ongoing series has witnessed numerous memorable instances, with one of the standout moments being the achievement of veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently reached the milestone of 500 Test wickets while representing India. Ashwin went past the 500-wicket mark in Rajkot and surpassed former Indian spinner Anil Kumble's record for most Test wickets at home for India too, breaching the 350-wicket mark (currently sitting at 354). Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly showered praise on Ashwin's performances, acknowledging the off-spinner as one of the all-time greats.

Also read: Anil Kumble lauds R Ashwin after significant Test milestone 

“All-time great, all-time great offspring. 500 wickets is not a matter of joke. Then you have Jadeja, the best all-rounder at the moment. Bat and ball in these conditions,” Ganguly told Revsportz.

I think Kuldeep has come back immensely: Sourav Ganguly

Furthermore, Ganguly hailed the exceptional performances of star left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, recognizing significant development in him and emphasized that he hasn't been overshadowed by the successes of Ashwin and Jadeja. Notably, Kuldeep has picked up 12 wickets in three Tests so far and will be keen to end the series on a high as both sides meet in Dharamshala in six days' time.

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“I think Kuldeep has come back immensely. He’s improved immensely. And I think with bowlers like Ashwin and Jadeja, he’s not been underdone by them. He’s made a mark of his in the series and will go on to play for India for a long period,” Ganguly said.