Ashwin answers critics with impressive show

A score of 210-2 meant India would be looking at wickets to up their net run-rate. The belated inclusion of off-spinner R Ashwin (2-14) has been questioned by many. He seemed to answer that question with a performance that would pose further questions.

Team India must have woken up on the day of their game against Afghanistan wondering if the roll of the dice is going against them. Loss of tosses, team changes not coming off, changes in batting order misfiring, Hardik Pandya not being able to bowl and his death over batting not delivering. Spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja not picking up wickets, etc.

All these in a nutshell have contributed to an insipid two games for India.

Solid opening stand

For starters, India got their batting order right against Afghanistan. Rohit Sharma (74 off 47 balls) at the top of the order looked imposing on the opposition. The opening partnership (140 runs) coming off and the subsequent onslaught against the wily and now a globally dreaded Rashid Khan, was the key to a robust foundation for India.

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Rashid doesn’t end up with 0-36 on most days, but this display of attack showcased by India was of cornered tigers. Pandya (35 not out off 13 balls) and Rishabh Pant (unbeaten 27 off 13 balls) provided the icing on the cake with a final attack on Afghanistan. 

A score of 210-2 meant India would be looking at wickets to up their net run-rate. The belated inclusion of off-spinner R Ashwin (2-14) has been questioned by many. He seemed to answer that question with a performance that would pose further questions.

His wicket taking skill meant Afghanistan could not make a match of a total that seemed out of the reach anyway.

Hopes alive

So as it stands, India must keep doing what they need to do, win and win well, and hope someone who is a threat to them has a bad day in the office. It’s only then that hope can turn into reality.

The writer is a former Mumbai captain and currently CEO of Baroda Cricket Association

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