IND vs BAN: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma don't play best cover drive, pull shot, claims Ravichandran Ashwin

In a huge surprise, Ravichandran Ashwin ignored his teammates Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma when asked about the best cover drive and the best pull shot. Instead, Ashwin picked former England opener Marcus Trescothick and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

Ashwin sprung out this surprise just a few days before the Test series against Bangladesh. When the question was asked, it was expected that Ashwin would take the names of his current India teammates who are excellent in these shots respectively. However, Ashwin, as he often does, brought out something different.

Also read: IND vs BAN: Sunil Gavaskar cautions India ahead of 1st Test: 'Bangladesh are force to reckon with'

Virat Kohli does not play the best cover drive, feels Ravichandran Ashwin

During an interview on 'Vimal Kumar' YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin was asked a no. of questions by the host Vimal Kumar. During a rapid-fire Q&A session, the India offspinner was asked about the name of the batter with the finest cover drive.

Most of the viewers expected the same answer but surprisingly, it was not Virat Kohli. Ashwin picked Marcus Trescothick as the batsman with the best cover drive. Trescothick played 76 Tests for England and scored 5825 runs at an average of 43.79. The left-hander is regarded as one of the finest openers in England's history.

Rohit Sharma does not play the best pull shot, feels Ravichandran Ashwin

Meanwhile, Ashwin was also asked about the batsman with the best pull shot. While everyone expected him to say Rohit Sharma's name, he picked Ricky Ponting for that particular shot. Ponting is regarded as one of the greatest batters to have played the game.

He led Australia to two ODI World Cup titles during his tenure, in 2003 and 2007. Ponting was a brilliant player of pull shot during his playing days and hardly missed out on anything short. He is also the third-highest run-scorer in international cricket.

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin will be in action in India's upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Ashwin has played 100 Tests and picked up 516 wickets at an average of 23.75. He is second on the list of highest wicket-takers for India in Test cricket, just behind Anil Kumble.

Ravichandran Ashwin on his retirement plans

During the interview, Ravichandran Ashwin was also asked about his retirement plans. The veteran off-spinner is currently 37 but is keen to play a few more years. He revealed that he wants to concentrate on the present and not think too far ahead.

Alongside Ashwin, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will also be in action in the Test series against Bangladesh. Rohit Sharma will lead the side. The series is the start of a gruelling red ball season for India which will see them play 10 Tests in the next four months.

After the series against Bangladesh, India will play a three-match Test series against New Zealand at home. Further, they will travel to Australia for the much-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 for five Test matches.