Aakash Chopra lauded R Ashwin for his match-saving knock of 102 in the Chennai Test, drawing a comparison to VVS Laxman for his ability to handle deliveries on the leg side. Ashwin, along with Ravindra Jadeja, rescued India from a top-order collapse against Bangladesh in the first Test.
In a post-match analysis on Jio Cinema, Chopra highlighted the similarities between Ashwin and Laxman, praising Ashwin's composure under pressure and his technique in dealing with leg-side deliveries.
"He allows the ball to come to him, especially on the back foot. When it’s on his legs, he often reminds me of VVS Laxman. But today, his driving, bending the knee, and hitting a six against spinners stood out. Jadeja played brilliantly, but Ashwin deserves even more credit for this innings," said Chopra.
Chopra also pointed out that Ashwin's remarkable innings came despite having less match practice than other players. He had not featured in competitive cricket since India's Test series against England, while the rest of the squad had been active in the T20 World Cup.
India's star-studded batting line-up, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, struggled early against Bangladesh's Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana, leaving India in trouble at 144/5. A brief partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant provided some stability before both were dismissed.
Ashwin and Jadeja then turned the tide with a crucial 195-run partnership, taking the game away from Bangladesh and steering India to a stronger position at 339/6 by the end of Day 1.
Their partnership not only stabilised India's innings but also shifted momentum firmly in favour of the home team.