Although India’s Asia Cup 2023 campaign opening was a washout, the Indian top-order came under fire for underwhelming against Pakistan’s potent bowling attack. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, among others, were back in the locker room, while comeback kid Shreyas Iyer too fell short of expectations. The guys in blue were in trouble at 66 for 4 in 15 overs until Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya came together and saved the squad. Before rain got the ultimate say, the pair put up a strong 138-run partnership to enable India score 266.
Rain forced India and Pakistan to play a rematch during the Super Fours, which took place across two days. At the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, however, Rohit Sharma & Co. completely destroyed the men in green in contrast to the previous match. A century partnership was created by the opening pair of Rohit and Shubman Gill, while a record 233 runs were added by Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
The second innings was later highlighted by Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul as India dismissed Babar Azam and company for 128 to win the ODI series against Pakistan by a large margin.
Sunil Gavaskar, a former captain of India and batting icon, was ecstatic by his country’s outstanding victory. He said in an interview with India Today that India beat Pakistan as a washerman beats the cloth in a “dhobi ghat.”
“Forget about the largest triumph, puri tarah se dhula diya, just as you wash clothes in a dhobi ghat (we simply crushed them). If your team is strong, you won’t allow the outcome of the last game impact you. They won’t be able to focus on the next game if they dwell on it too much. I don’t think Pakistan would do such an error,” he remarked.
Rahul declared his return with his sixth ODI century on Monday, while Kohli recorded his 47th ODI century. He used 11 boundaries and 2 sixes to reach 111 not out off of 109 balls.
Gavaskar was impressed with Rahul’s performance and said that he clearly shown that he is ready and totally fit for the World Cup.
“KL Rahul kept wickets in addition to scoring a century. Amidst all the attention about his fitness, he made a significant comment. He demonstrated his whole fitness. Jasprit Bumrah too seemed to have excellent rhythm. He had a solid run-up and swung the ball both ways. He stated, “Not even a world-class batsman like Babar Azam could play him.
