Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, shared a memorable anecdote from India’s thrilling encounter against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In a match filled with tension and drama, Ashwin’s decision to let a delivery go for a wide became one of the most talked-about moments of the tournament
A Tactical Leave That Changed the Game
With India needing two runs off the final ball, Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz delivered a ball down the leg side to Ashwin. In a moment of composure and presence of mind, Ashwin opted to leave the ball, which was declared a wide, leveling the scores. On the next delivery, he guided India to a famous victory, completing an incredible comeback.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Ashwin reflected on the incident and revealed the emotional reaction of then-India head coach Rahul Dravid. “When I returned to the dressing room, I saw a side of Rahul Dravid I’d never seen before. He was overjoyed and said, ‘That’s why we picked you in the squad! That’s how you handle pressure.’ It was a special moment,” Ashwin recounted.
The Influence of Gully Cricket
Ashwin credited his quick thinking to his formative years playing gully cricket. “That decision to leave the ball wasn’t premeditated. It’s something that came instinctively, thanks to my gully cricket days,” he said. “In gully cricket, we often play with unique rules, like scoring only on the offside. Leaving a ball on the leg side was something I had done countless times before.”
He went on to explain how gully cricket shaped his approach to the game. “It’s been a huge part of my life. Even during my professional career, I would occasionally play gully cricket with friends. It brought a joy that’s hard to describe. For me, that instinctive decision on the field was a reflection of those years spent playing casually in the streets.”
A Defining Moment in the Match
Ashwin walked out to bat after Dinesh Karthik’s dismissal in the final over. With Virat Kohli (who had earlier played a sensational knock of 82* off 53 balls) at the non-striker’s end, the responsibility of finishing the game fell on Ashwin. His decision to let Nawaz’s delivery go not only showcased his tactical acumen but also turned the tide in India’s favor.
Reflecting on the impact of that moment, Ashwin admitted, “At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of what I had done. But seeing my teammates and Rahul Dravid’s reaction made me realize how significant it was.”
A Moment to Remember
India’s victory over Pakistan in that high-stakes match remains one of the highlights of the 2022 T20 World Cup. For Ashwin, it wasn’t just about hitting the winning runs; it was a testament to his ability to stay calm under pressure and trust his instincts.
As Ashwin steps away from international cricket, moments like these serve as a reminder of his unique contributions to the game, both as a bowler and as a player who thrived in crunch situations.
