Watch: Ravichandran Ashwin’s mind games backfire as Daryl Mitchell responds with a massive six

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is famous for his mind games. Ashwin not only has the skills with the ball but also has the ability to read a batter's mind. But such mind games can also backfire on some days.

Something similar happened during the 18th over of New Zealand's second innings on Day 2 of the Mumbai Test between India and New Zealand. Ashwin pulled out of his delivery stride at the last moment as the batter Daryl Mitchell prepared for a reverse sweep.

It seemed that Mitchell wouldn't risk playing any shot again in the next ball. However, the NZ batter wasn't bothered about Ashwin's mind games and straight away ran down the track on the next ball to launch the ball over long-off for a gigantic six.

Also Read: Rachin Ravindra punches his bat in frustration after getting stumped by Rishabh Pant

Watch: Ravichandran Ashwin’s mind games backfire against Daryl Mitchell

pic.twitter.com/aY426XfJlg

— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) November 2, 2024

Ravichandran Ashwin might not have expected such kind of a response from Daryl Mitchell in the next ball but Mitchell was aware of the match situation and trumped the offspinner this time.

It was a brilliant response from a batter who was high in confidence after scoring 82 in the first innings. On a turning pitch, Mitchell gave an exhibition of Test match batting with his flurry of sweeps and reverse sweeps.

He used his feet to perfection and put the bowlers under pressure by launching the ball over the bowler's head. He found his own ways to stay on the wicket which proved to be effective as well.

Ravichandran Ashwin's mediocre series

Meanwhile, the series has not been great for Ravichandran Ashwin. The offspinner is used to dominate the oppostion batters in home conditions but has failed to find his rhythm so far.

Ashwin was wicketless in the first innings as his bowling partner Ravindra Jadeja picked up a five-wicket haul and young offspinner Washington Sundar picked up 4 wickets. In the second innings, although, he picked up the big wicket of Rachin Ravindra.

In the first two Tests, Ravichandran Ashwin picked up just six wickets in two Tests. His diappointing returns is one of the reasons why India have struggled to put New Zealand under pressure in this series.

Meanwhile, New Zealand did not start well in this innings as they lost the skipper Tom Latham early. Devon Conway was also dismissed for his second low score of the game while Rachin Ravindra followed soon after.

Shubman Gill takes India to first innings lead

Earlier, India were bowled out for 263 in their first innings after a five-wicket haul from Ajaz Patel. Shubman Gill top-scored for India with a magnificent 90 off 146 balls. Rishabh Pant scored a quickfire 60 off 59 balls in the morning session.

Gill and Pant started the day well with a defining partnership but India lost the way after Pant's dismissal. Washington Sundar provided the late flourish with the bat as he scored 38 off 36 balls. India took a first innings lead of 28 runs.