WATCH: Ravichandran Ashwin believes former India batter is an 'unsung hero'

Team India is currently in Chennai and preparing for their World Cup opener against Australia. Ravichandran Ashwin has been added to the ODI World Cup squad after 2015. He came in as a replacement for Axar Patel, who did not recover from the left quadriceps injury picked up during a Super 4 match against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2023. Ashwin was named in the three-match ODI series against Australia. He performed brilliantly in the series the veteran spinner became the highest wicket-taker against the Aussies by breaking the previous record of Anil Kumble. 

On the other hand, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has been in the talks due to his controversial comments. The left-handed batter played two massive roles in guiding India to the 2007 and 2011 World Cup victories. Gambhir did not get the credit he was supposed to be given by the fans.

Ashwin believes the batter is mistaken by the fans and experts most of the time. But he is actually one of the most selfless cricketers. The veteran spinner has praised his commitment to the game. He highlighted the batter's ability to read the game and his crucial role in pressure situations. Gambhir played a 97-run knock under pressure in the 2011 World Cup final when India lost both their openers in quick succession. 

Here's the video

Ashwin Anna has always spoken his mind and for what he’s believed, So did he today #Gambhirpic.twitter.com/4GcOnEFEmd

— Lala (@FabulasGuy) October 4, 2023

The greatest team man is the greatest individual in terms of taking a fight: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin said, "Gautam Gambhir is the most misunderstood cricketer in India. The greatest team man is the greatest individual in terms of taking a fight. He might not be very expressive, but he is in your face. It was not just that knock (the WC final); there were several knocks leading into the final, where Gautam has been an unsung hero.

"He literally did not allow the pressure to get to us. Selfless. I would have said if he could have been 120–130 not out but selfless. He wanted to shut the game out. I have always had massive respect for the man. People give him much less credit than he deserves."