Ashwin stepped onto the field at the MA Chidambaram Stadium when India were staring down the barrel having lost six wickets for just 144 runs. The local crowd erupted in cheers as he made his way to the crease.
Ashwin showcased his exceptional form, executing a series of stunning shots that left head coach Gautam Gambhir, observing from the dugout, in awe of the boundaries he struck.
Among the numerous impressive strokes Ashwin played, it was the cut shot against Nahid Rana that particularly caught Gambhir’s attention. On the final delivery of the 44th over, the tall pacer delivered a short, wide ball at a speed of 144.2kph.
Seizing the opportunity to score, the Indian batsman executed a sublime cut shot that sent the ball racing to the sweeper cover boundary. The commentators were quick to label it the ‘shot of the day’.
However, it was Gambhir’s reaction that garnered significant attention, as he appeared visibly delighted with Ashwin’s exceptional stroke play.
Bangladesh recently secured a series victory against Pakistan, which has garnered significant attention in the cricketing world. Ashwin acknowledged their success and stated, “The series victory has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community”.
“I am one of those guys who loves to see the underdog come out and perform. You can’t call them an underdog anymore; they have played some wonderful cricket,” he remarked, emphasising Bangladesh’s remarkable progress.
“They have put their hand up and said, ‘Look, we are a team on the rise and we are playing wonderful cricket,'” Ashwin said, recognising Bangladesh’s increasing prowess on the field.
