'Huge divide in terms of quality...': R Ashwin's blunt take on Bihar posting world record total vs Arunachal Pradesh

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin showered praise on the Bihar batters for their superb display against Arunachal Pradesh, but remarked that there was a massive difference in quality between the two teams and this led to a contest that was "not ideal".

These comments come after Bihar created history in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and posted a gigantic total of 574/6 on the board, the highest total ever recorded in List A cricket. Vaibhav Suryavanshi was once again the top performer for his state team and played a sublime knock of 190 runs from just 84 deliveries. But this wasn't all as both Ayush Loharuka (116) and Sakibul Gani (128*) also contributed immensely to Bihar's total. Gani reached triple figures after facing just 32 deliveries, becoming the Indian to score the fastest List A century.

Ashwin highlights the difference in quality

While Ashwin was impressed with the batting, he highlighted how there is a huge divide in quality especially when it comes to the Plate teams, leading to completely one-sided contests. He further stated that teams like Arunachal Pradeesh won't be able to become better with these kind of performances.

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“Huge applause for Vaibhav Suryavanshi. But I again want to ask a question. There is a huge divide, chalk and cheese, in terms of quality with some teams. It becomes very lop-sided with some teams and there is no contest at all. It is not an ideal contest,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“Credit to Vaibhav, if you get a big score in your neighbourhood, it is still a big score. A double hundred is a double hundred, anywhere. If we are serious about teams like Arunachal Pradesh becoming good sides, what will this do to their confidence?" he added.

Arunachal lose by mammoth margin

Coming to the match, Arunachal batters failed to deliver under pressure and the side was bowled out for only 177. Bihar won the match comprehensively by 397 runs to begin their campaign on a high. They will be looking to maintain this form when they face Manipur on December 26 while on the other hand, Arunachal will be hoping to bounce back from the heavy defeat as they come up against Mizoram in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.