Senior India all-rounder R Ashwin is leaving no stone unturned in making his case for a call-up to India’s World Cup 2023 squad.
After impressing with the ball in the first ODI against Australia, in Mohali, R Ashwin was quick to hit the nets to work on his batting. This was a high-intensity batting net session for Ashwin as he came fully padded up with gloves and helmet on with the throwdown specialists sending high-pace deliveries at him.
This late-night batting net session seems to have been preplanned within the management as head coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour were there too while Ashwin batted in the nets.
This is an act of determination from the 37-year-old champion off-spinner who is likely to come into India’s squad for the World Cup, possibly replacing Axar Patel in the World Cup squad.
— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) September 22, 2023
Abhishek Nayar, who was on broadcasting duties along with Aussie great Mark Waugh, both hailed Ashwin for his commitment: “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.”
R Ashwin makes good return to ODI cricket
India won the Mohali game, winning the match by 5 wickets, chasing the target of 277 runs down with 8 balls to spare.
While Mohammed Shami, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav hogged the limelight for their pronounced performances, R Ashwin, too, made a strong comeback to the ODI side after a gap of 20 months.
Ashwin finished with impressive figures of 1/47 in 10 overs on a good pitch to bat on. But the figures don’t tell the entire story.
He had a struggling start, being taken for 36 runs in his first six overs. But then he returned later in the game to take Marnus Labuschagne’s wicket and conceded only 11 runs in his last 4 overs, which also helped India restrict Australia to a par total.
