After India defeated Australia, Ashwin’s Late-Night Batting Practice Increases His Chances In The World Cup Squard

Ashwin late night batting practice.

Always count on Ravichandran Ashwin to come up with an original idea. Ashwin made headlines when he snuck out to bat in the middle of the pitch during a late-night practice session shortly after the first ODI ended with India winning by a score of five wickets against Australia in Mohali to grab a 1-0 series lead. Rahul Dravid, the head coach, changed positions from fielder to square leg while Ashwin set up the nets and started batting at one of the pitches.

Mark Waugh and Abhishek Nayar, two members of the broadcasting panel, were completely floored by Ashwin’s post-game shocker. The ever-so-determined mentality of the off-spinner was praised by both former cricket players.

It is hardly surprising that Ashwin is making every attempt to make the India squad—which, remember, can be changed no later than September 28—with only 15 days until the World Cup. The 37-year-old Ashwin raced in to practice his batting after bowling a lean spell of 1/47 from his 10 overs and dismissing Marnus Labuschagne.

It is clear from previous patterns in the administration of the team’s decisions that they give priority to having players in their lineup who can contribute to both the bat and the ball. And Ashwin, who has scored one fifty in ODI and five centuries in Test matches, is an ideal fit for this tactical approach.

How awesome is that? “He has a net out and is batting in the center. The support team puts in a lot of effort here. They are still moving forward after ten in the evening. It’s an excellent portion of the preparation because he has Rahul Dravid at square leg, Vikram Rathour at slips, and Mark Waugh at fine leg. The management, I’m sure, has advised him to improve his batting,” remarked former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar.

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This isn’t Ashwin’s first obvious indication that he’s eager to bat. Ashwin participated in a community league game run by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association a day after being invited back into India’s lineup for the ODI series against Australia. Ashwin walked out to bat for the Take Solution MRPA, demonstrating his outstanding dedication to the game.

Kavya Bhatt