Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has heaped praise on R Ashwin and claimed that the 38-year-old isn't celebrated enough as an all-rounder. Ashwin picked up his 11th Player Of The Series award for his performance in the 2-Test series against Bangladesh. The 38-year-old scored a hundred to save India in the Chennai Test and amassed a total of 114 runs in addition to the 11 wickets he picked up during the course of 2 matches.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by TOI, Raja said that Ashwin's record shows that he is not less than anyone when it comes to exploits with both bat and ball. The former PCB Chairman hailed Ashwin as a no-nonsense cricketer and claimed that he doesn't pull off any tantrums when he isn't part of the team.
"He (Ashwin) has not been celebrated as much as he should be as an all-rounder. If you look at his record, he is not less than anyone. He is a no-nonsense cricketer, takes everything in his stride. Even when he is the 12th man or is out of the team, there are no tantrums. He understands the team's situation and his responsibility," said Raja.
Raja stated that there is much to learn from Ashwin, 38, and that he plays brilliantly anytime he gets the chance. Ashwin, according to the former captain of Pakistan, is opinionated and has a perceptive view of the game.
"Whenever he gets a chance, he plays brilliantly. There is a lot to learn from Ashwin. He is opinionated but not like he does a lot of critical analysis of anything off the field. He has an intelligent take on the game, which shows in his comments," he added.
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting in November, Ashwin's attention will now shift to the forthcoming home series against New Zealand. It is anticipated that the 38-year-old would start both series as a regular member of the squad.
