The Indian Cricket team started their preparations for the ODI World Cup 2023 on the right note. The first ODI between India and Australia saw the home team win the game by five wickets. This win meant India now took a 1-0 lead into the next game.
KL Rahul led the side well in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma. The short series is being seen as a final audition ahead of the World Cup. The series gives a chance for many players who are out of form to perform.
Ravichandran Ashwin was drafted into the team after the injury to Axar Patel. The 37-year-old is seriously being considered as an option if Axar Patel doesn’t get fit in time. The game on Friday was Ashwin’s first ODI in nearly 18 months.
Ravichandran Ashwin (Source-Twitter)
Ashwin was seen practicing his batting after the end of the game
Ravichandran Ashwin was slotted to bat after Ravindra Jadeja in the batting order. The off-spinner did not get a chance to bat in the 1st ODI at Mohali on Friday. Ashwin was seen taking some throw-downs when the match ended. The Indian off-spinner could be seen wearing the helmet as he sweated it out while batting in the center-wicket.
Ashwin bowled well with the ball as he ended with figures of 1/47 from his 10 overs. The 37-year-old got the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne for 39. The wicket was result of a lucky stumping effected by skipper KL Rahul.
In his first 7 overs with the ball, Ashwin looked a bit rusty as he went for 39 runs. In the next three overs, Ashwin pulled back and gave away only 8 runs. It was a good return to the team for the man from Chennai who was playing his 1st ODI for India since 2022.
Rahul Dravid, the Indian coach, had already expressed his desire to try Ashwin for all the games. Ashwin being in good form will be of importance if Axar Patel doesn’t pass the fitness test. If Ashwin is chosen to play the World Cup then his first game will be at Chennai against Australia on 8th October.
Here’s how the fans reacted –
Ravi Ashwin having batting practice in the nets right after the match. pic.twitter.com/AXOPcz9COq
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 22, 2023
The ultimate professional ?
— Ajay AJ (@AjayTweets07) September 22, 2023
Batting diye bina sb chale gye andhera ho gya bolke
— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) September 22, 2023
Ashwin will play next 13 matches this year
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) September 22, 2023
Anna wants to get involved ??
— Shreyy (@Sadly_shrey) September 22, 2023
He also wants to contribute to World cup 2023 ???
— Uttkarsh Singh (@Uttupaaji) September 22, 2023
Dedication.
I hope and pray he is part of playing XI in World Cup 2023!
He is a champion! ?
— RS (@WithRitesh) September 22, 2023
He is one of the most committed cricketers of our times, huge respect man ?
— aman kharbas (@aman_kharbas) September 22, 2023
