In an extraordinary scene, Ravichandran Ashwin surprised everyone by taking to the nets for batting practice right after the conclusion of the 1st ODI match.
You can always count on Ravichandran Ashwin to do something out of the ordinary. Shortly after India won the 1st ODI against Australia in Mohali with a five-wicket victory, Ashwin grabbed his batting gear, put on his helmet, and ventured out for a late-night practice session, catching everyone off guard.
It was a highly unusual sight as Ashwin set up the nets and started batting, with head coach Rahul Dravid even fielding at square leg. This post-match display left Mark Waugh and Abhishek Nayar, members of the broadcasting panel, utterly amazed. Both former cricketers praised Ashwin’s unwavering determination.
Watch the Video Here:
— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) September 23, 2023
With only 15 days until the World Cup, it’s no surprise that Ashwin is putting in every possible effort to secure his spot in the Indian squad. He recognizes that the squad can be adjusted until September 28. After delivering an economical spell of 1/47 in his 10 overs, including the crucial wicket of Marnus Labuschagne, the 37-year-old Ashwin immediately shifted his focus to honing his batting skills.
The team management’s recent decisions have shown a preference for players who can contribute both with the bat and the ball, and Ashwin, with his five Test centuries and one ODI fifty, fits perfectly into this strategic approach.
Former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar commented on Ashwin’s practice session, saying, “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.”
This isn’t the first sign of Ashwin’s eagerness to improve his batting skills. A day after being included in India’s squad for the Australia ODIs, Ashwin participated in a local league match organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. Representing the Take Solution MRPA team, Ashwin took to the crease, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the game.
In his own words, Ashwin shared his perspective, stating, “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, give myself the best chance. When I went back from West Indies, I took a break, 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,” as revealed in a BCCI video after his return to India’s ODI setup.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates