Twitter Reactions India vs Australia 2023

'Kya dedication hain'- Fans react as Ravichandran Ashwin practices batting in nets after IND vs AUS 1st ODI

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was spotted batting in the nets after India's five-wicket victory over Australia in the first ODI.

author-image
Rohit Kumar
New Update
Ravichandran Ashwin batting

Ravichandran Ashwin batting (Source- Twitter)

India defeated Australia by five wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series. They chased down the 277-run target with 8 balls to spare to register their first win in Mohali against the five-time World Champions since 1996. Catching the attention of cricket fans, the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium saw something different after the match. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was spotted batting in the nets.

The right-arm off-spinner made his return to ODI cricket after 18 months. He bowled decently at his comeback and finished with figures of 1 for 47 in his 10-over quota. However, it was Mohammed Shami who took the limelight by picking up a five-wicket haul against the 'Kangaroos'. It was his best bowling figures in the 50-over format.

Chasing 277, the Men in Blue were off to a flyer. Openers Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored half-centuries and laid a foundation for India's run chase. They built a partnership of 142-run partnership before the latter was dismissed after scoring 71 runs off 77 balls. India lost three wickets in quick succession for just nine runs. But skipper KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav built an 80-run partnership, with both the middle-order batters scoring fifties.

Someone like Ashwin provides experience and also contributes with the bat: Rahul Dravid

With less than two weeks left for the World Cup, Ashwin was a surprise addition to the ODI squad against Australia. The 37-year-old was in the middle and was seen taking some throwdowns, with head coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour keeping an eye on his batting.

"Someone like Ravichandran Ashwin provides experience and also contributes with the bat at No. 8. This series is no trial for Ashwin, this is just an opportunity for him in this format," Dravid told reporters in Mohali ahead of the series opener.

Ashwin's decision to improve his batting has surprised fans and experts like Mark Waugh and Abhishek Nair. "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," Nair said.

Here's how fans reacted:

 

India Australia Ravichandran Ashwin IND vs AUS