In a thrilling match on Sunday, October 8, at Chepauk, India defeated Australia by six wickets to earn two critical points and get off to a strong start in their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign. Virat Kohli took advantage of a catch-drop and punished Australia by batting an impressive 85 from 116 balls.
India was struggling at 2/3 after two overs while attempting to chase down a difficult 200-run goal. It was up to Virat Kohli and KL Rahul to save India’s innings. The former India skipper misfired a pull shot off Josh Hazlewood in the eighth over as they struggled against the imposing pace trio of Australia. Mitchell Marsh rushed in from midwicket but was unable to seize a clear opportunity. At that time, Kohli had a 12-run innings.
Ravichandran Ashwin, a prominent Indian spinner, claimed after the game that he left the changing room as soon as Kohli smashed the ball in the air. The crowd exploded in jubilation when Marsh let go of the catch. Hearing the cheers from the crowd, a relieved Ashwin returned to the dressing room.
“I hurried outside the changing room when I watched Virat Kohli’s ball go into the air.I sprinted all the way outside.
I had no idea what to do. When it was all over, I said, “Just wake me up.” It was that kind of a feeling, Ashwin said to Star Sports following India’s triumph.
“Look, I believe we have been in this position before during significant big games. Australia is never a little game when you play them. You did good by taking them out for 199. The last thing you want is Virat Kohli to leave the game in such a manner when you believe you will glide to victory. I quickly raced back into the dressing room as the audience erupted. The entire inning, I remained in the same position. My feet are truly hurting,” he continued.
He was told to remain prepared for the ODI World Cup in 2023, according to Ravichandran Ashwin.
Interesting enough, the star spinner disclosed to the broadcasters after the game that Team India captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid had instructed him to stay vigilant and ready for the ODI World Cup 2023. Ashwin will probably get the opportunity to represent India on the world arena if the need arises.
Ravichandran Ashwin played few club-level games to stay in the groove in order to practice. Even after being asked to remain available for the selection, the star off-spinner did not hesitate to disclose that he had playfully advised the captain and coach to forget about him entirely for the big game.
“It was more like a Mayday call, I was chilling at home, played a couple of club games but Rohit and Rahul [Dravid] had told me that if there is a situation we will come back to you, I just told them jokingly that hope you never come back to me [smiles],” Ashwin told reporters after the match.
The commentators were right when they predicted that it may be the game’s pivotal moment. The Delhi batsman contributed a strong performance alongside Rahul, putting India only one win away from their first ODI World Cup triumph. With a quick-fire 34-run unbroken partnership following Kohli’s dismissal, Hardik Pandya and Rahul helped the hosts win the match.
India
