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‘Ashwin bhai MCG hai wo, Motera nahi’ – Fans react to Ravichandran Ashwin’s thoughts while entering MCG to face Pakistan at T20 World Cup

Ravichandran Ashwin finished off the game by scoring the winning runs off Mohammad Nawaz.

Jun 29, 2023 10:51 am

Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin (Source: Twitter)

Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin (Source: Twitter)

In the middle of the pitch, during India’s exciting victory versus Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup held at the MCG in Melbourne, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin had a talk. The 36-year-old batted with two runs needed off of one delivery and completed the innings to help India win the game famously.

In their highly anticipated T20 World Cup match, Virat Kohli batted magnificently for India, scoring 82 runs off only 53 balls to lead India to a thrilling four-wicket victory over archrival Pakistan. Pakistan posted a valiant 159 for eight after a shaky start. After a disastrous start to their innings, Kohli, alongside Hardik Pandya, scored the majority of the runs as India finished their chase on the last delivery.

“He was possessed; he was on another planet”: Ravichandran Ashwin

The veteran spinner spoke to the apex cricket council in an exclusive conversation. He spoke about the atmosphere at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground as well as the kind of mindset Kohli was in while batting during that match. He said, “When I came to bat against Pakistan for the final ball in the World Cup, Virat Kohli gave me around 7 options to play that one ball. When I looked into the eyes of Virat, he was possessed, he was on another planet, it was terrific innings by Virat, one of the great matches ever.”

India recovered from being in trouble at 31/4 during one point by putting on a 113-run fourth wicket stand between Virat Kohli as well as Hardik Pandya. Iftikhar Ahmed’s 34-ball 51 plus Shan Masood’s unbroken 52 from 42 balls helped Pakistan to a par total at the MCG, who were put into bat, once they lost their openers with only 15 runs scored during the fourth over.

Ravichandran Ashwin scored the game-winning runs against Pakistan to hand India a historic win. On the game’s final ball, India needed one to win, and the outcome of the match was decided. After Dinesh Karthik was removed via a stumping, Ashwin was left in the middle needing two from one ball, but he made sure India crossed the finishing line with ease.

Look at how the fans reacted:

Ravi Ashwin said, "When I walked at the MCG, I realised the enormity of what I was getting into. I haven't witnessed such an atmosphere and crowd ever. When I looked at Virat Kohli, his eyes seemed like he was possessed and he is on a different planet". (On ICC). pic.twitter.com/RWIBQW1ppA

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 29, 2023