'You can't call them an underdog anymore': R Ashwin looks ahead to India vs Bangladesh Test Series

India's veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Bangladesh can no longer be considered an underdog in the upcoming two-match Test series between the two sides.

Ashwin, who has played 88 Tests for India, said that Bangladesh have made significant strides in recent years and are now a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket.

"You can't call them an underdog anymore," Ashwin said in a press conference on Tuesday. "They have a very good team, with some very good players. They have been playing some very good cricket in the last few years.

Ashwin pointed to Bangladesh's recent Test series win over New Zealand as evidence of their progress.

"They beat New Zealand in New Zealand, which is not an easy thing to do," he said. "So, we are not taking them lightly at all."

Ashwin said that India will need to be at their best to beat Bangladesh in the upcoming series.

"We need to play our best cricket to beat them," he said. "We need to be disciplined and we need to execute our plans well."

The first Test of the series will be played in Chattogram from December 14-18, while the second Test will be played in Dhaka from December 22-26.

India are the overwhelming favorites to win the series, but Ashwin said that Bangladesh should not be underestimated.

"They are a very good team and they will be looking to give us a tough fight," he said.