India’s veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin hailed captain Rohit Sharma for walking the talk after their seven-wicket win against Bangladesh at Green Park, Kanpur on Tuesday. With only 35 overs being bowled on the first three days of the Test match, many thought that the game was heading towards a draw.

However, India was able to turn the tables as they were able to skittle out Bangladesh at 233 and then declared after smashing 285-9 in only 34.4 overs. 

Ashwin reckons Rohit set the tone when he smashed Khaled Ahmed for a first-ball six in the first innings. Even though Rohit was dismissed after scoring a cameo of 11-ball 23, India’s intentions were clear – they wanted to win at any cost.

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin was awarded Player of the Series for the 11th time in Test cricket, equaling legendary Muttiah Muralitharan’s record. Ashwin scored 114 runs in two innings at an average of 57 and also scalped 11 wickets in the series, the joint most with Jasprit Bumrah.

Ashwin said in the post-match presentation, “Really glad I’m able to turn up performances for the team’s victory. Winning this game was important for us. A lot of bowlers contributed really well for us today. Massive win for us in the context of the WTC. When we bowled them out yesterday, it was little after lunch. Rohit was keen that we needed 80 overs to bowl at them. And the moment he came inside out and gave that talk where we’re going to go after it even if we get out under 230. It’s not only him saying it, he went out there and hit his first ball for six. He set the tone that way and obviously follows on from there.”

The veteran off-spinner also lauded the team’s bowling line-up for coming up with a collective effort throughout the series.

He added, “The kind of bowling attack I’m part of, incredibly proud of it. How Jassi bowls, how Siraj turns in, how Akash turned up, ad don’t have to mention much about Jaddu.”

Ashwin will be next seen in action in the three-match Test series against New Zealand.