In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, the Indian cricket team secured a resounding victory in the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka, setting new records in the process. The hero of the day was none other than the fiery pacer, Mohammed Siraj, who left the cricket world in awe with his outstanding performance, claiming six crucial wickets. With invaluable support from Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, Team India successfully restricted Sri Lanka to a mere 50 runs. The Rohit Sharma-led squad wasted no time in chasing down the target, wrapping up the match in just 6.1 overs.
The triumph in the Asia Cup final has triggered a wave of jubilation among cricket enthusiasts worldwide, as social media platforms buzz with congratulatory messages. However, amid the celebrations, former Indian pacer Dodda Ganesh has emerged as a prominent voice, offering his appreciation to India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, for his pivotal role in the team’s success.
Ganesh took to social media to express his sentiments, pointing out the discrepancy in how fans perceive Dravid’s influence on the team. He tweeted, “India on the verge of a thumping win today in the # Asia Cup finals. And, Rahul Dravid is still not trending on X. Well, only the blame goes to Rahul when the team fails, but when the team wins, he’ll be forgotten. Well, the kind of world we live in. I so badly want India to win the #WC2023 for the sake of Rahul Dravid. The unsung hero of Indian cricket #INDvSL.”
Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricketer known for his legendary batting and steady temperament, has found himself under scrutiny following his decision to bench star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the ODIs against West Indies in July. This move was part of an effort to experiment with new team combinations and strategies, which led to mixed reactions from fans and experts alike.
With the Asia Cup victory in the bag, Team India is now gearing up for their next challenge: a three-match ODI series against Australia, set to commence on Friday. The squad for this high-stakes series was announced by skipper Rohit Sharma and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
A notable inclusion in the squad is Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran spinner who holds the distinction of being India’s highest Test wicket-taker among active cricketers. Ashwin is poised to make his return to ODI cricket after a hiatus that dates back to January 2022. His selection has sparked speculation and raised questions about his potential role in the team’s future plans.
The upcoming ODI series against Australia serves as a final dress rehearsal for Team India before the much-anticipated 2023 Cricket World Cup, scheduled to commence on October 5th. While Ashwin may not be part of the World Cup squad, his inclusion in the ODI team has certainly added an intriguing dimension to India’s preparations.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the showdown between India and Australia, the cricketing world continues to appreciate the underappreciated hero, Rahul Dravid, whose contributions to the Indian cricket team’s success should not be overshadowed by individual performances or decisions in specific matches. Dravid’s steadying influence and commitment to nurturing young talents make him a valuable asset to Indian cricket, as the team sets its sights on future triumphs.