India, Sept. 29 -- Ravichandran Ashwin, who has played alongside both Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, has no doubt which of the two is the better batsman. For the former India spinner, the Master Blaster gets the vote for two simple reasons: the era in which Tendulkar played his cricket and what he meant to an entire nation. The comparisons between Kohli and Tendulkar are never-ending and promise to stand the test of time long after Virat retires. In ODIs, Kohli has gained the upper hand, overtaking his idol's tally of centuries, but in Tests, Tendulkar is miles ahead, keeping the debate open.

In terms of skill, India has yet to witness anyone better than Tendulkar, but when it comes to fitness, consistency and the ability to pile on h...