Watch: Ashwin has a batting practice after India’s 1st ODI despite having a tiring day in the field in humid Mohali afternoon | Cricket News
Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday was seen having a batting practice immediately after India’s clinical win over Australia five wickets in Mohali. It was heartwarming to see the efforts of the 37-year-old to come out for a net after bowling his 10 over quota in the demanding-muggy afternoon heat.
“How cool is that? He is batting right in the centre, he’s got a net out. And that’s where the support staff really works hard. It’s past 10, it’s late and they are still going. He’s got Rahul Dravid at square leg, Vikram Rathour at slips, Mark Waugh at fine leg, so it’s a terrific part of the preparation. I’m sure the management has told him to work on his batting,” former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar said.
Ashwin has been included in the squad for the three-match series against Australia ahead of the World Cup. With Axar Patel’s fitness in doubt ahead of the ICC 2023 World Cup he may chucked into the squad in these final moments. The off-spinner is not only lethal with the ball but also can contribute handy runs coming down the lower order and who can forget the game against Pakan in the 2022 World Cup at MCG where he showed he not only has skill but is cool as a cucumber under pressure when he hit Mohammed Nawaz over mid-off for a boundary of the final ball to take India for a famous victory.
pic.twitter.com/sr7JZBdzhU
— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) September 23, 2023
“It’s a great opportunity for me. I have always said over the last 3-4 years that it’s not about what I want to achieve in these opportunities. I just want to enjoy myself and give myself the best chance. When I went back from West Indies, I took a break and played a few club games. The team management has kept me in the loop and told me to just stay ready whenever there is a chance. I was just touching base with my fitness. Started bowling a few sessions.”Most Read
1
‘Surviving on bread, fighting for refunds’: Indian students in Canada struggle to find housing, food, jobs
2
Chandrayaan-3 mission: Dawn breaks on Moon, all eyes on lander, rover to wake up
See More
“I want to bring something different to the table so I have been working on some angles because one-day cricket is not just about spin anymore. It’s more about the angles, the usage of the crease, and its depth. I’m trying to put myself in a zone of discomfort, to try and push barriers as always because for me what comes first is the pride of my performance and what best abilities and talent I can showcase.”
Ashwin did not start well on Friday as he lacked a bit of rhythm in his initial spell against David Warner and Steve Smith who played him with ease. However, after a 15-minute rain interruption when he came back for his second spell later in the innings, the veteran bowler bowled beautifully and started to beat the batters in the air with his deceptions.
“I want to bring something different to the table so I have been working on some angles because one-day cricket is not just about spin anymore. It’s more about the angles, the usage of the crease, and its depth. I’m trying to put myself in a zone of discomfort, to try and push barriers as always because for me what comes first is the pride of my performance and what best abilities and talent I can showcase,” he added.
