(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] Star Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has returned to the Indian ODI squad after a 21-month absence, marking his third ODI World Cup appearance.
The 37-year-old stepped in for the injured Axar Patel, who couldn’t recover in time from a left quadriceps strain sustained during the Asia Cup 2023. Recently, Ashwin was reminded of an unforgettable moment from the past when former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi hit two consecutive sixes off his bowling during the Asia Cup 2014.
In a memorable match, with India needing just one wicket to secure victory and Pakistan requiring ten runs in the last over, Ashwin was entrusted with the ball. However, Afridi’s remarkable hitting skills turned the tide, as he smashed Ashwin for two back-to-back sixes, helping Pakistan chase down a target of 246 in Mirpur.
A Pakistani fan brought up this incident in response to one of Ashwin’s posts, prompting a heartwarming exchange where Ashwin expressed his admiration for Afridi’s striking ability.
“Shahid Afridi Still remembers those two sixes,” the fan written in response to Ashwin’s posts on X. “Those were really good shots man. Really admired him as a great ball striker,” replied Ashwin.
Despite Ashwin’s exceptional performance in that game, where he claimed 3/44 in 9.3 overs, the two crucial sixes from Afridi (34* off 18) in the decisive last over led to India’s defeat.
Ashwin made a strong comeback in the ODI series against Australia, finishing as the joint second-highest wicket-taker with four wickets in two innings, boasting an average of 22 and an economy rate of 5.17.
Heading into his third ODI World Cup, the veteran spinner brings a wealth of experience, having previously participated in the 2011 and 2015 editions. He has secured 17 wickets from ten matches in World Cup events, averaging 24.88 with an economy rate of 4.36.
Looking ahead, India’s preparations for the World Cup include a warm-up match against the Netherlands on October 03 in Thiruvananthapuram, after their first warm-up game against England was washed out.
The Rohit Sharma-led team will then commence their tournament journey with an opening league fixture against Australia on Sunday, October 08 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.