Ravichandran Ashwin is one of India's biggest match-winners India has ever produced: Aakash Chopra

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has heaped praise on Ravichandran Ashwin, calling him ‘one of the biggest match-winners ever produced by India. Last week, Ashwin further enhanced his reputation as one of India’s best bowlers in Tests by joining the 400-wicket club. The Tamil Nadu star achieved the feat during the third Test against England in Ahmedabad.

He became just the fourth Indian after Anil Kumble (619), Kapil Dev (434), and Harbhajan Singh (417) to achieve the feat. What makes Ashwin’s feat even more incredible is the speed at which he has taken his wickets. Having made his debut in 2011, Ravichandran Ashwin became the fastest Indian and second overall to 400 wickets in Tests.

He achieved the feat in his 77th Test while the all-time record belongs to Muttiah Muralitharan (72 Tests for 400th wicket). Ashwin’s latest spell in the format also helped India thrash England by 10 wickets inside two days in the third Test. The win saw the hosts take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series. Ashwin is also the leading wicket-taker in the series, having picked up 24 wickets so far.

Ravichandran Ashwin has been absolutely phenomenal, says Aakash Chopra

With Ravichandran Ashwin further enhancing his reputation, Aakash Chopra lavished praise on him. The former cricketer-turned-commentator called his performance absolute phenomenal and stated that Ashwin is still growing as a bowler. He then went on to call him one of India’s greatest match-winners in Tests.

“78 Test matches for 400 Test wickets. Let the naysayers be! He’s been absolutely phenomenal with the craft that he has displayed over a period of time and as he’s growing as a bowler he’s picking a lot of wickets. So, that question mark is also getting answered quite nicely. I feel that he’s an absolute Rockstar.

“He’s one of the biggest match-winners, that India has ever produced, of course Anil Kumble will still remain at No.1,” Aakash Chopra said while speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected.

Former India batsman VVS Laxman also praised Ravichandran Ashwin and explained why the spinner is so successful in Tests. The legendary batsman recalled India’s tour of Australia last winter to point out how Ashwin has started to plan the batsmen’s dismissals. “I think he’s a very intelligent person! When you’re playing at the highest level, then it’s not only about your skill, it’s about your preparation, your planning and execution is so critical.

“So, he works out what are the weaknesses of the batsman. He plans those dismissals and that’s why I think he is reinventing himself. We saw recently in the Australia series how he troubled, someone as great as Steve Smith and that’s another thing that makes Ashwin or any champion player special, that he wants to be the best and compete against the best,” said Laxman.