Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to play his 100th Test and captain Rohit Sharma on Wednesday said that no praise is enough for him, lauding him as a “rare” talent critical for the team’s success. The fifth and final Test against England, starting on Thursday, is a dead rubber now as India have already taken an unbeaten 3-1 lead as well.

“(It’s a) big achievement for any player to play 100 Tests. It is a big milestone. He has been a match winner for us. What he has done for us, no praise is enough,” Rohit Sharma said on the eve of the match. “His performances over the last five-seven years, every series he has contributed. It is rare to have players like him.”

R Ashwin has 507 Test wickets to his name, making him only the second Indian bowler after the veteran spinner Anil Kumble to go past the 500-wicket mark. Meanwhile, struggling Rajat Patidar also got the backing from the captain.

“Rajat Patidar has very good abilities. I like him. I see him as a talented player. We need to give him some more time,” Rohit Sharma said. “It has been a series of comebacks for us. Whenever we were put under pressure we were able to put the pressure back on the opposition. That was pleasing for me.”

“Looks like a typical Indian pitch. There will be some movement when the temperature drops but looks like a good pitch,” Rohit Sharma concluded. “I haven’t studied much in school. I am studying here a lot as captain.”