In preparation for the ODI World Cup 2023, one of Mahesh Pithiya’s buddies, Pritesh Joshi, who is now training with the Australian squad as a side-armer, called him as he was about to get home after his workout. During the brief talk, his friend advised Pithiya to get his belongings and travel to Chennai by October 4.
The Australian team management promptly contacted Pithiya, an off-spinner from Baroda with a similar bowling motion to Ravichandran Ashwin, to join the team after India officially declared Ashwin as Axar Patel’s replacement.
Pithiya was first enticed to become part of the Australian camp because he had experience working with the Australian squad as a support bowler while playing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy previously this year. He later had second thoughts after speaking with S. Aravind, the bowling coach for Baroda.
Mahesh Pithiya spoke to Sportstar after this incident as he said, “It was certainly an exciting offer, but then, I am also part of the Baroda set-up for the domestic season that begins next month. So, I thought about it, spoke to our coach and informed them that it won’t be possible for me to join the camp this time around.”
Though Pithiya wasn’t initially considered for Australia, he was told ‘off the record’ a few weeks back that if Ashwin is selected, he may be called up. He added, “As soon as the BCCI announced Ashwin as the replacement for Axar, I got the call. It is always exciting to work with international teams, but my priority is domestic cricket. I have come so far because of playing for Baroda and ahead of a long season, I thought I should focus on my game and not join the Australian team.”
Australia’s poor run leading up to the ODI World Cup 2023
The Australians did not have a successful lead-up to the World Cup since Pat Cummins’ team lost the 1-2 ODI series to India previously this week. They also lost a series to front-runners South Africa a few weeks back.
The Aussies found it difficult to deal with Ashwin, who grabbed four wickets during his two appearances. And, very obviously, it led the team management to call Pithiya, who decided not to be a net bowler but instead train to compete in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Fans react as net bowler with similar action to Ravichandran Ashwin rejects Australian team:
Mahesh Pithiya who has a similar bowling action to Ravi Ashwin was contacted by Australia again for becoming a net bowler.
Pithiya turned down the offer! (Sportstar). pic.twitter.com/0wViLwqPXC
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 30, 2023
Warrra waste opportunity.
— Wa?iyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) September 30, 2023
That's a good decision by him
— MOHAMMAD (@Mohammedptl_18) September 30, 2023
Should've gone for it cuz why not.
— Saad Bin Munir (@Saad_Views) September 30, 2023
U CANT FIGURE OUT ASH WITH HIS REPLICA….CAUSE ASH ALWAYS INTRODUCES SOMETHING NEW IN ITSELF ??????
— the DUGOUT ! (@teams_dream) September 30, 2023
Ashwin must have given him better offer
— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang) September 30, 2023
Unless & until he has got even better offer from Ashwin or Team India management. He will not turn down that!!
— Maharaj Patil (@IamViruLover) September 30, 2023
Great for his career performance
— Engr. M. Kausar (@engrkausarktk12) September 30, 2023
He was seen in net sessions when Aussies toured India for Border Gavaskar Trophy. They trained alot through his bowling but all went in vain bcz @ashwinravi99 is an experienced pure bowler who reads the mindset of batter. He is a phenomenal red ball bowler
— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) September 30, 2023
It did not work before as well???
— msd_stan (@bdrijalab) September 30, 2023
India is production house of heroes
— Asad ali (@Asadali43045206) September 30, 2023
He literally said: pic.twitter.com/OLp9OoE7jW
— Yash (@lmaoyash) September 30, 2023
Mithiya , legend for a reason
— Utkarsh (@utkarshh_tweet) September 30, 2023
