Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Bangladesh's ascent in international cricket, stating they can no longer be considered underdogs following their impressive 2-0 series win over Pakistan. He noted that Bangladesh has showcased remarkable skill and competitiveness, challenging India in their previous encounters. Ashwin's comments came ahead of the first Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai, where he also highlighted the red-soil pitch's potential to provide a balanced contest for both teams. Meanwhile, former Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal lauded Ashwin's batting prowess after his quick century, arguing that Ashwin is underrated as a batsman despite his lower batting average. Ashwin himself expressed enjoyment in his innings, advocating for an aggressive approach on the pitch. Both players are looking forward to a competitive series that reflects Bangladesh's growing strength in cricket.