Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has commended the Men in Blue for their fearless batting display against Bangladesh during their T20 World Cup Super 8 encounter in Antigua on Saturday, June 22. India put up an impressive total of 196/5 in their 20 overs.
Five of India’s top six batters made significant contributions, each scoring in the 20s and 30s, with Hardik Pandya leading the charge with an unbeaten 50 off 27 balls. Ashwin believes this performance showcases the entire batting line-up’s commitment to an ultra-aggressive style of cricket. He highlighted that the players were unafraid to lose their wickets in the pursuit of quick runs.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ravichandran Ashwin encouraged fans to embrace this new brand of cricket and not focus too much on individual scores. Here’s what he wrote:
“We are not used to an approach where batsmen throw it away after making 30s and 20s, but it is about time we embrace an approach like this, especially while batting first. 👌👌👌 Top intent from all the Indian batters so far 👏👏 #INDvBAN #T20WorldCup”
Team India hit 13 sixes in their innings and were rewarded for their relentless aggression, even when they lost wickets at crucial moments.
Wasim Jaffer Also Lauds India and Hardik Pandya
Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer also praised the Men in Blue for their batting effort on his X account. He emphasized how every batter in the top six hit at least one six and commended Hardik Pandya for his fantastic half-century. Here’s what Jaffer wrote:
“Refreshing to see the intent from the Indian batters today. Every batter in the top six hit at least a six and ensured there was no drop in the run rate even after wickets fell. Top innings and finish from @hardikpandya7 👏🏻 #INDvBAN #T20WC”
At the time of writing, the Men in Blue had also begun well with the ball, conceding just 27 runs in the first four overs.
