Indian skipper Virat Kohli feels Ravichandran Ashwin’s return was the biggest positive for the team. The off-spinner played his first T20I, since July 2017. He replaced Varun Chakravarthy in the Indian team against Afghanistan on Wednesday.
Ravichandran Ashwin made a remarkable comeback in Abu Dhabi, against Afghanistan. He conceded just 14 runs in four over, at an economy rate of 3.5 runs, and took two wickets. Ashwin provided India early breakthrough in the chase, dismissing Mohammad Shahzad for a duck. He then dismissed Gulbadin Naib LBW for 11 runs. India won the match by 66 runs, registering their first win in the ICC T20 World Cup.
The Indian skipper, Virat Kohli showered praise on his team-mate, Ravichandran Ashwin on a brilliant comeback. He said,
“The return of Ash was the biggest positive, it was something he has worked really hard for. He (Ashwin) showed this control and rhythm in the IPL as well. He’s a wicket-taker and a smart bowler as well.”
Ash has an excellent night out on his T20I comeback 👏#INDvAFG | #T20WorldCup
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 3, 2021
We have to focus on the small chance we have to qualify: Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli also revealed the discussion in the team meeting following the two consecutive losses. He stated that the team needs to focus on the small opportunity to qualify for the knockouts of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The skipper concluded by praising Pakistan and New Zealand’s performance in the first two games.
“We spoke in the team meeting that we have to focus on the small chance we have (to qualify) and stay positive and hunt that chance down. We don’t decide we’re going all out. Back the guys because they’re so skillful, and sometimes it comes off like today. To give credit to the opposition, they bowled really well in the first two matches and didn’t let us get away.”
India will take on Scotland in their next match on Friday, November 5 at the Dubai International Stadium.
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