"He repeatedly reminds me slightly of VVS Laxman" - Aakash Chopra lauds R Ashwin's century in IND vs BAN 2024 1st Test
Aakash Chopra has lauded Ravichandran Ashwin for scoring a crucial century in India's first innings of the first Test against Bangladesh. The former India opener noted that the spin-bowling all-rounder showed a wide array of shots, with those off his legs reminding him slightly of VVS Laxman.
Ashwin smashed an unbeaten 102 off 112 deliveries as India ended Day 1 at 339 for six, in Chennai on Thursday, September 19. It was his sixth Test century and the second successive at his home ground.
Reviewing the game on Colors Cineplex, Chopra praised Ashwin for his excellent technique and ability to play shots all around the park.
"We had once gotten used to seeing him scoring a lot of runs regularly but then there was a slight decline in batting form. He got a little demotion in the batting order as well but the way he plays, he is an extremely solid and organized player, and that's why the ability to soak up the pressure is there in the foundation," he said.
"He allows the ball to come towards him. He has all the backfoot shots in his repertoire. He repeatedly reminds me slightly of VVS Laxman with his leg-side shots but the way he played the drives today, especially the way he used his feet against spin and even hit a six, and a six while kneeling. He showed his entire range," Chopra added.
Ravichandran Ashwin struck 10 fours and two sixes during his innings. He slog-swept Shakib Al Hasan for a six and then danced down the track to hit Mehidy Hasan Miraz for another maximum.
"He got a chance to bat after such a long time in competitive cricket" - Aakash Chopra on Ravichandran Ashwin
![Ravichandran Ashwin's century was his fastest in Test cricket. [P/C: BCCI]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/09/bd569-17267509096998-1920.jpg?w=500)
Aakash Chopra pointed out that Ravichandran Ashwin delivered the goods despite having not played international cricket for the last few months.
"Other guys still played in the T20 World Cup and then played T20Is or ODIs. He played his last international game against England. He doesn't play any other format. He played in the IPL but he doesn't get to bat there. So here he got a chance to bat after such a long time in competitive cricket," he said in the same discussion.
While acknowledging that Ravindra Jadeja (86* off 117) played his role to perfection, the cricketer-turned-commentator opined that Ashwin deserved more credit for his fighting knock.
"It was an important knock. Everyone makes the most of it when things are going fine. Here things could have gone the other way. 144 for six could have been 175 all out. Jaddu outstanding but Ashwin will get a little more credit today," Chopra stated.
Ashwin walked out to bat after Yashasvi Jaiswal (56) and KL Rahul (16) were dismissed in successive overs. He and Jadeja stitched together an unbroken 195-run partnership to bail the hosts out of trouble.