Ravichandran Ashwin mocks Tilak Varma after the latter gets bamboozled by Adil Rashid’s worldie
Veteran wrist-spinner Adil Rashid played a crucial role in England’s victory during the third T20I against India on January 28 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Former Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was in awe of Rashid’s marvellous delivery that dismissed Tilak Varma in the match.
During the eighth over of India’s chase, Rashid bowled a leg-break outside the off-stump that turned sharply, breaching the gap between bat and pad to hit the stumps. Varma, who attempted a backfoot shot, failed to read the turn and was bowled for 18 off 14 balls, leaving India struggling at 68/4.
Top Bowling, Adil Rashid – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin was highly impressed by Rashid’s exceptional delivery to dismiss Tilak Varma. He took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to praise Rashid, calling it an “absolute seed” with “scrambled seam and serious side spin.”
“Absolute seed. Scrambled seam and serious side spin.Top bowling Adil Rashid #INDvsENG,” wrote Ashwin on his X account.
Absolute seed🔥🔥.
Scrambled seam and serious side spin.
Top bowling Adil Rashid🤝🤝#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/9omCsdmaxU— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 28, 2025
Tilak Varma’s dismissal in the third T20I ended his impressive streak of four consecutive unbeaten innings. He had remained not out during the second half of India’s T20I series against South Africa, where he scored back-to-back centuries.
The left-handed batter also played a key role in the series opener against England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, remaining unbeaten to help India chase down the target. In the second T20I, he guided India to a narrow win in Chennai, remaining not out to secure a two-wicket victory.
Adil Rashid Makes Strong Comeback After Poor Outing in Kolkata
Adil Rashid made a strong comeback after conceding 27 runs in two overs during the first T20I in Kolkata. He bounced back with an economical spell of 1/14 in four overs during the second match against India. However, the hosts secured a narrow two-wicket win with Tilak Varma’s finishing touch.
Rashid played a key role in England’s resurgence during the third T20I in Rajkot. Defending a target of 172, England dismissed Sanju Samson (3), Abhishek Sharma (24), and Suryakumar Yadav (14) inside the powerplay. India’s innings collapsed further as England’s bowlers maintained pressure.
The home team fell short by 26 runs in the run chase. England secured a convincing victory that kept them alive in the series. The fourth match between the two teams will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on January 31.
Adil Rashid Is Like Red Wine – Ravi Shastri
Speaking to TNT Sports, former India player and coach Ravi Shastri praised England’s bowling performance. He also commended Rashid, comparing him to fine wine that improves with time. However, Shastri noted that England’s batting has yet to reach its full potential.
“Full marks to England for the way they bowled. They attacked the stumps and went for yorkers, while Adil Rashid is like red wine, he gets better and better,” Shastri told TNT Sports.
“England have still not played to their potential with the bat. If they do, we could have a crackerjack couple of games,” he added.
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