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Australia have always found ways to tackle tough opponents in different situations, except for Ravichandran Ashwin in India. But, this time they have found a way to prepare for Ravi Ashwin. Mahesh Pithiya, an allrounder from Baroda has a similar action to Ravi Ashwin and the Australian Cricket team has roped him in their practice sessions at Alur, Bangalore to prepare for what is coming in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy.
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The Australian team management found out about Mahesh through one of the side-arm specialists in the team and then looked at his bowling action on Instagram. It was 31st January when they called Mahesh to check if he was available to bowl in the nets and the off-spinner could not hold himself from bowling to batters like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
"They checked my videos on Instagram and called me to check if I was available to be a net bowler. I said yes. I have been here for the last two days and will bowl at them for two more days," Mahesh Pithiya told Sportz Point in an exclusive interview.
"Alex Carey was the first batter I bowl at. And, he is like, "Well bowled Ashwin." and then all of them started calling me Ashwin," Mahesh added.
Interestingly Mahesh never copied Ashwin's action. As per him, he always had the action and then picked up a few things from Ravi Ashwin's bowling. "I always had this action. But, yes, I picked up a few things and worked on them. If I can emulate the amount of skill Ashwin has, that would be great for me."
The 21-year bowler kept on bowling to the Aussie batters and they were impressed with the action and his consistency. But, the most exciting part was when he bowled Steve Smith twice and got him stumped as well two times during their practice session. Smith even asked him how many first-class games he has played and where he is from.
"They are playing like me they are facing Ashwin. I got Steve Smith bowled twice and got stumped him two times as well. It feels great to bowl to one of the best batters in the world and getting them out is quite a memory. "
Mahesh now wants to learn as much as possible from the net sessions with this Aussie team. He is looking forward to having some words with Nathan Lyon in the coming days as well. "I have not had a word with him (Nathan Lyon), but will obviously love to have some words with him on my bowling," Pithiya expressed.
In just one day suddenly the whole cricketing world is searching for "Who is Mahesh Pithiya?" Mahesh also now knows if he can do well in the coming season, there will be a chance to make a name for himself. But before that, he wants to meet Ravi Ashwin and is waiting for feedback from the great man himself.
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