Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra makes a brilliant comparison between Ravichandran Ashwin and VVS Laxman

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra made a startling comparison between the great Indian batsman VVS Laxman and Ravichandran Ashwin, emphasizing their similar capacities to control deliveries that are heading straight for their legs. Ashwin displayed a batting masterpiece on the first day of the first Test match between India and Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, striking an undefeated 102 off 112 balls.

His century, along with a resilient 86 from Ravindra Jadeja, lifted India out of a precarious situation and established the tone for the innings after a disastrous early collapse.

At 144/6, India was in serious trouble as the Bangladeshi bowlers, especially Hasan Mahmud, were causing mayhem. Mahmud had placed Bangladesh well in front by quickly dismissing India’s top three, breathing fire. As the Indian batting order began to disintegrate, Ashwin entered the game and attacked Bangladesh.

Ashwin responded with measured aggressiveness in the face of increasing pressure, displaying his class and familiarity with his native Chennai.

Ashwin and Jadeja reversed the situation by staging a valiant counterattack. He was not scared to play his strokes, consistently finding holes on the leg side and deftly countering the spinners. His strategy not only reduced the strain but also allowed India to return to the competition.

In an analysis published on Jio Cinema, Chopra commended Ashwin’s composure and skill, drawing comparisons between his management of leg-side deliveries and that of VVS Laxman, who was well-known for producing beautiful shots in similar circumstances.

“When it comes to the back-foot, he lets the ball come to him and only has the shots available to him. He often reminds me of VVS Laxman when it comes to his legs. Though Jadeja was excellent, Ashwin should get a little more credit for his drive today, particularly for bending his knee and smashing a six against spinners, Chopra added.

Ashwin wins Chopra over.

The former Indian batter also brought up the fact that, in comparison to his colleagues, Ashwin had played much less recently in international cricket before coming to the crease. In spite of this, Ashwin performed a vital, game-saving knock while under extreme pressure.

We were rather used to seeing him score runs with the bat, but eventually we saw a little deterioration in his hitting ability. In the batting order, he was also dropped. He is a very well-prepared player. His playing style is based on his capacity to withstand pressure. He had just recently participated in the England Tests, while the other players had continued to play in major tournaments like the T20 World Cup “Chopra continued.