'Virat Kohli Gave Me Around 7 Options To Play' - Ravichandran Ashwin

image-ljgsqanoAshwin celebrating the famous win with Kohli. (AP Photo)

Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed Virat Kohli’s advice during the final moments of the thrilling game against Pakistan during the T20 World Cup in Australia last year. The game captivated fans worldwide, with India ultimately securing a thrilling last-ball victory.

While Kohli's incredible innings stole the spotlight, it was Ashwin who showcased immense composure during the decisive final ball in front of a packed MCG stadium. India required 16 runs from the last over, but they lost Hardik Pandya early on.

Dinesh Karthik managed a single, followed by a couple of runs from Kohli. Then came the pivotal moment—a six and a no-ball from Virat, resulting in seven runs. Nawaz, the Pakistani bowler, compounded their woes with a wide, and despite bowling exceptionally to Kohli, he conceded three runs due to the subsequent free hit.

With victory seemingly in sight for India, Mohammad Rizwan stumped Karthik, leaving India needing 2 runs off the final ball. Ashwin stepped up and displayed great presence of mind by allowing a wide ball aimed at the leg side to pass, leveling the scores. The 36-year-old then struck the winning run, while Kohli remained unbeaten on 82 off 53 deliveries, leading India to a remarkable four-wicket triumph against their long-standing rivals.

In a recent conversation with the ICC, Ashwin reminisced about the intense encounter against Pakistan and the crucial final moments. He spoke highly of Kohli's extraordinary innings and recounted how the Indian captain provided him with seven different options for playing the final ball.

"When I came to bat against Pakistan for the final ball in the World Cup, Virat Kohli gave me around 7 options to play that one ball. When I look into the eyes of Virat, he was possessed and was on another planet. It was a terrific innings by Virat in one of the great matches ever,"  Ravichandran Ashwin revealed to the ICC.

The T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan will forever be etched in cricketing history, not only for Kohli's heroics but also for the nerve-wracking climax and the teamwork displayed by the Indian players.

Over the years, India and Pakistan have had some of the most nail-biting affairs. Sadly, the two nations have stopped played bilateral cricket against each due to geopolitical tension. However, the fans could see as many as five INDO-PAK clash during Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC World Cup 2023.