'Those were really good shots by Afridi' - R . Ashwin's heartwarming reply to Pakistani troll goes viral

Star India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a comeback to the Indian ODI setup after 21 months and will be playing his third ODI World Cup. The 37-year-old replaced injured Axar Patel in the squad after the former failed to recover in time from his left quadriceps strain suffered during Asia Cup 2023. Recently, Ashwin was reminded of the two sixes hit against him by former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi during Asia Cup 2014.

Notably, with ten needed of the last over, Ashwin was bowling against Pakistan with India needing just one wicket to win. However, Afridi won the game for his side by smashing Ashwin for two back-to-back sixes helping his side chase down the target of 246 in Mirpur. A Pakistan fan reminded Ashwin of the two big hits by Afridi on X. However, in a heartwarming moment, the Indian spinner ended up appreciating the Pakistan cricketer for his stupendous striking ability.

“Shahid Afridi Still remembers those two sixes,” a fan had written in reply to one of Ashwin’s posts on X. “Those were really good shots man. Really admired him as a great ball striker,” wrote the India cricketer in reply.

Those were really good shots man.
Really admired him as a great ball striker👌

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2023

Notably, Ashwin was the pick of the bowlers in that game having picked up 3/44 in 9.3 overs but ended up conceding two sixes from Afridi (34* off 18) in the decisive last over which led to India’s loss.

The Chennai-born cricketer recently shone on his ODI comeback in the ODI series vs Australia as he finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker of the series having picked four wickets in two innings at an average of 22 and an economy of 5.17.

Ashwin to play his third ODI World Cup

The veteran spinner will bring his vast experience heading into the ODI World Cup as he was a part of the 2011 and 2015 World Cups as well. He has picked 17 wickets from ten matches played in the mega event at an average of 24.88 and an economy of 4.36. 

Meanwhile, after their first warm-up game vs England got washed out, India will next lock horns against Netherlands in their second warm-up fixture on October 03 in Thiruvananthapuram. The Rohit Sharma-led side will further face Australia in their opening league fixture on Sunday, October 08 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.