In the WC opener match, how Virat’s dismissal scare left Ashwin gasping for breath
Not only did team India escape a scare in their campaign opener match on Sunday, but they were also left fortunate. In a moment of sheer horror, the hosts, who looked like the top favourite to reclaim the ODI World Cup at home, stuttered to 2 for three after their top-order batters were dismissed for a duck at the very start while chasing the target of 200 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Only a superhuman effort could get India out of trouble, and the very experienced Virat Kohli and No. 5 batter KL Rahul dug deep to produce a masterclass of a partnership. As India did not just revive, they eventually closed the chase with 8.4 overs to spare, riding on a record 165-run stand.
Recounting that dismissal scare, Ashwin, who was in the dressing room, told at the end of the match that he was left gasping for breath at the sight of the ball going up in the air for a catch. He added that when Marsh
dropped it, leaving the Chepauk crowd going crazy, he went back inside and stood in the same place for the remainder of the game.
He said, "When I saw Virat Kohli's ball go up in the air, I ran outside the dressing room. I literally ran outside the dressing room, I was like thinking wake me up when it's all over. It's a World Cup game against Australia, so you don't expect anything easy. It's a big game and when you are shot for 199, do you think you expected us to coast home. I ran back into the dressing room, and the crowd erupted. I stayed in the same place for the entire game.”