IND vs ENG: Sunil Gavaskar wants Rohit Sharma to let Ashwin lead Indian team to field in Dharamsala Test

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed a heartfelt wish for India’s senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as he approaches his 100th Test match. The fifth Test of the ongoing series against England in Dharamsala marks a significant milestone for Ashwin, who has consistently been a key player in the Indian cricket team since he first stepped foot in Test cricket.

Notably in his 99th Test, Ashwin showcased his brilliance by claiming 5 wickets for 51 runs in England’s second innings, achieving his 35th five-wicket haul in the longest format of the game. Overall, he has 507 Test wickets to his name in 99 appearances and has been one of the legends of the game of cricket. The Tamil Nadu-born's contribution has been invaluable, and as he prepares for his century of Test matches, Gavaskar hopes for a fitting tribute.

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Gavaskar suggested that India captain Rohit Sharma should allow Ashwin to lead the team onto the field during the final Test in Dharamsala. Such a gesture would honour the veteran spinner's immense contributions to Indian cricket over the years. 

“India win tomorrow, and you go to Dharamshala (for the fifth and final Test), I just hope that Rohit allows you to lead the team out to the field. That’ll be a wonderful gesture, an honour for all that you have done for Indian cricket,” Gavaskar said while speaking to Ashwin on JioCinema.

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Ashwin responded by expressing his gratitude and mentioned that he is well past these expectations and hopes to serve the team for the longest time possible.

“Sunny bhai, you are being too generous, thanks so much. However, expectations about all these things, I think I am well past all that. But genuinely saying, I am enjoying every single moment I am being with this team. The longer it lasts, I will be happy,” Ashwin said.

Ravi Shastri, who worked with Ashwin during his time as head coach of the Indian team, emphasized that the offie's success is intrinsically tied to the team’s victories. To which, the 37-year-old mentioned that it’s a surreal feeling to win a red-ball game, and he hopes Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal will go about business on Day 4 of the fourth Test in Ranchi as India need 152 more runs to win with all the wickets intact.

“Win a Test after four-five days, the feeling is surreal. I would like to have that feeling tomorrow. Rohit and Jaiswal started very well and hopefully they can carry on that tomorrow,” said Ashwin.