Indian head coach Rahul Dravid gave veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin a unique cap ahead of his 100th Test match in Dharamsala. The Indian players could be seen cheering him on from the sidelines during the brief ceremony, which he attended with his family.
Before the game began, Ravichandran Ashwin received a guard of honour from the Rohit Sharma-led team.
A special occasion. A special moment. What made it more special was Ashwin handing it over to his daughters. Emotional scenes all around. #INDvsENGTest #Ashwin pic.twitter.com/0KpOTpvxT0
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) March 7, 2024
Ashwin getting a deserved guard of honour!
#AshTon @ChennaiIPL @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/Cfny8cg0hr
— Johnpaul (@johnpl618) March 7, 2024
Ashwin has taken 507 wickets at an average of 23.91 in the 99 Test matches in which he has played thus far. He is one of the greatest spinners in Test cricket history, only Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, and Muttiah Muralitharan having taken more wickets.
In the middle of the toss, captain Rohit acknowledged and celebrated one of his most powerful tools in red-ball cricket, calling him an absolute icon of Indian cricket.
“A true pillar of Indian cricket, Ash (Ashwin). A truly happy occasion for him, his country, and the family. We shall support him in his magical endeavors,” Rohit remarked.
Jonny Bairstow of England is also participating in his 100th Test match in Dharamsala at the moment. According to the stumper-batter, who recently expressed his happiness, he credits his mother, who twice overcame cancer, for his achievement. In the meantime, veteran Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised Ashwin and Bairstow for reaching 100 Test matches during their remarkable careers, calling it a remarkable accomplishment.
“A momentous day in Dharamsala marks the 100th time that @ashwinravi99 and @jbairstow21 have worn the international whites. An astounding accomplishment that befits their ardor and tenacity for red-ball cricket. I hope they have an amazing game together! Sachin posted a tweet.
It’s a historic day in Dharamsala as @ashwinravi99 and @jbairstow21 don the international whites for the 100th time. An incredible achievement that speaks volumes about their passion and perseverance for red-ball cricket. I wish them both a fantastic game ahead!#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/XTvzApvHEI
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 7, 2024
During the fifth Test, Devdutt Padikkal makes his debut for India.
Rajat Patidar was unable to play in the fifth Test due to an ankle injury sustained during a training session, as Rohit revealed at the toss. The team management has decided to fill in for him with Devdutt Padikkal, who will be playing for Team India for the first time.
The 23-year-old has made 2227 runs at an average of 44.54 in 31 first-class matches during his career. In his first game, Ashwin was asked to give Padikkal his test cap.
India
