Star India players Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya were spotted preparing for practice even though they weren’t part of the playing XI against Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2023. However, in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match against Bangladesh, the Indian cricket team made a strategic decision to give both Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya some rest.
During the game, they were both seen sitting on the sidelines with the team, and Kohli even took on the role of a water boy. However, in the final over of the Indian innings, both players began preparing for practice. While Pandya was observed taking a lap around the stadium, Kohli was already geared up for batting practice.
It’s worth noting that despite being rested for the match, both players are crucial for India in the upcoming final against Sri Lanka, and they were dedicated to their practice routines.
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It was seen virat and hardik pandya was going for practise in nets during #Indvsban match in this match both the players was rested .#ViratKohli𓃵 #Virat #PAKvSL #PAKvsSL #RohitSharma𓃵 #INDvsPAK #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/A68Jw0L2y3
— Kanwardeep (@Kanwardeep08) September 15, 2023
Unfortunately, despite Shubman Gill’s outstanding 121 and Axar Patel’s valuable 42, India lost the Super 4 match to Bangladesh by six runs, although this result didn’t affect their places in the final, as India and Sri Lanka had already secured their spots.
Chosen to bat first, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan and Towid Hridoy played contrasting innings to set a respectable target of 265 for eight. In response, India’s innings concluded at 259 runs in 49.5 overs. For Bangladesh, Shakib contributed 80 runs from 85 deliveries, while Towid made 54 runs from 81 balls to stabilize their innings after losing early wickets.
On the other hand, India’s bowlers, including Mohammed Shami (2/32), Shardul Thakur (3/65), and Prasidh Krishna (1/43), combined to take six wickets. In the chase, Shubman Gill was the driving force for India, scoring 121 runs from 133 balls, featuring five sixes and eight boundaries. Axar Patel also played a notable role, contributing 42 runs from 34 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Despite their efforts, India fell short in the end.
Mustafizur Rahman took three wickets for Bangladesh, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib claimed two, and Mahedi Hasan secured two wickets as well.
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