'Ravichandran Ashwin Duplicate' Mahesh Pithiya Turns Down Australia's Offer Ahead Of World Cup 2023

Mahesh Pithiya is yet to make it big in cricket but he is already a very popular name among the fans. The reason is his uncanny resemblance with India star Ravichandran Ashwin‘s bowling action.

Earlier this year when Australia arrived in India for the four-match Test series, they had invited him as a net bowler to practice. The move, however, did not make much of a difference as Ravichandran Ashwin still starred with the ball. He picked up 25 wickets in the series and helped India win the series 2-1.

But it looks like Mahesh Pithiya managed to make an impact in the nets as he recently received another invitation from the Australian camp ahead of the ICC World Cup. Australia will open their World Cup campaign against India in the spin-friendly conditions of Chennai. With Ravichandran Ashwin being added to the India squad, Australia once again called up Mahesh Pithiya to bowl to their batters in the nets.

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Mahesh Pithiya turns down Australia’s invitation:

Mahesh Pithiya had the opportunity to gain some more experience of bowling to international cricket stars but he has turned down the offer this time. The reason is his commitment to the Baroda team. According to a report in Sportstar, he was tempted to join the Australian camp initially but eventually decided against it after consulting with Baroda bowling coach S. Aravind.

“It was certainly an exciting offer, but then, I am also part of the Baroda set-up for the domestic season that begins next month. So, I thought about it, spoke to our coach and informed them that it won’t be possible for me to join the camp this time around,” Mahesh Pithiya told Sportstar.

“As soon as the BCCI announced Ashwin as the replacement for Axar, I got the call. It is always exciting to work with international teams, but my priority is domestic cricket. I have come so far because of playing for Baroda and ahead of a long season, I thought I should focus on my game and not join the Australian team,” he added.