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Ravichandran Ashwin with Mahesh Pithiya (Source: Twitter)
Ahead of the prestigious ODI World Cup 2023, Australia is dealing with a phobia. As the five-time champions set to take on India in their opening game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8, the team is looking to tackle ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin's last-minute inclusion has troubled Aussie batters, who have the worst numbers against him.
Their fear led them to call Ashwin's bowling replica, Mahesh Pithiya. Pithiya, an off-spinner of the Baroda Cricket Team, has been in the news since this year's Border Gavaskar Trophy. He attended an Australian camp in January and February earlier this year to train Aussie batters to face and tackle Ashwin. However, their preparations had no execution in the main match as Ashwin once again became the highest wicket-taker.
However, this time Pithiya put his country first and turned down an Australian offer. According to news reports, Pithiya was contacted hours after India's squad announcement by Australian team thrower Pritesh Joshi. Joshi asked Pithiya to pack his bags and reach Chennai by October 4. However, Pithiya politely dismissed his request, mentioning his ongoing preparations for the upcoming domestic season.
"That was an exciting offer, but...", says Mahesh Pithiya
Speaking with Sportstar about his decision Pithiya said that it was a really exciting offer, but after consulting with his coach, he opted out. "It was certainly an exciting offer, but then, I am also part of the Baroda set-up for the domestic season that begins next month. So, I thought about it, spoke to our coach, and informed them that it wouldn’t be possible for me to join the camp this time around,” Pithiya told Sportstar.
It is worth noting that India will start their World Cup campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8. After beating the Aussies in a three-match ODI series by 2-1, team management will be keen to continue their dominance. Meanwhile, ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has a great record against the Australian team. He is the highest wicket-taker against Australia in international cricket with more than 150 scalps.
Here is how fans react to Mahesh Pithiya's decision:
He literally said: pic.twitter.com/OLp9OoE7jW
— Yash (@lmaoyash) September 30, 2023
Warrra waste opportunity.
— Waѕiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) September 30, 2023
That's a good decision by him
— MOHAMMAD (@Mohammedptl_18) September 30, 2023
Should've gone for it cuz why not.
— Saad Bin Munir (@Saad_Views) September 30, 2023
He was seen in net sessions when Aussies toured India for Border Gavaskar Trophy. They trained alot through his bowling but all went in vain bcz @ashwinravi99 is an experienced pure bowler who reads the mindset of batter. He is a phenomenal red ball bowler
— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) September 30, 2023
U CANT FIGURE OUT ASH WITH HIS REPLICA….CAUSE ASH ALWAYS INTRODUCES SOMETHING NEW IN ITSELF 🔥🔥❤️❤️
— the DUGOUT ! (@teams_dream) September 30, 2023
Ashwin must have given him better offer
— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang) September 30, 2023
— Moonlight🌙 (@Kairavii_Rajput) September 30, 2023