After witnessing Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion to India’s World Cup squad, the Australian team decided to rope in Gujarat local bowler Mahesh Pithania for their practice session who has an identical bowling style as of Ashwin.
However, the local bowler rejected the offer citing other commitments. Previously, the Kangaroos took the help of Pithania as a net bowler back when they visited India early this year for the test series. Ahead of the World Cup, the Aussies wanted to prepare themselves against Ashwin by prating with Pithania in Chennai where India and Australia will start their world campaign.
In a conversation with ANI, Pithania said that he refused the offer as he would be taking part in domestic cricket.
"I got the call from Pritesh Joshi a sidearm specialist, he is with the Australian squad this time and helping them on nets, by the time R Ashwin Joined the squad he called me and said to pack my bags and joined the Australia team at Chennai as they wants you in nets but I declined the offer this time as home season of cricket coming ahead and I have to play and this time I am busy in practice and other training so I said no to them this time", Pithania said.
The Indian team roped in Ashwin as a last-minute replacement for injured Axar Patel in the World Cup squad after his brilliant performance against Australia in the recent ODI series. The Tamil Nadu-based spinner produced an impressive performance with the ball as he scalped three wickets in the second ODI at Indore.
"Life is full of surprises and I honestly wasn't thinking I would be here. The trust that the team management has shown and the circumstances have made sure I am here today. But enjoying the game has been my prime motive over the last few years and that is what I will be doing in this tournament."