'Just as You Wash Clothes in a Dhobi Ghat': Gavaskar Reacts to India's Record Win vs PAK in Asia Cup

India’s Asia Cup 2023 campaign opener was a washed-out affair but it did put the Indian top-order under scrutiny after failing to perform against Pakistan’s fierce bowling attack. The likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were back in the dressing room while comeback man Shreyas Iyer also failed to make a notable contribution. The men in blue were tottering at 66 for 4 in 15 overs when Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya joined forces, pulling the team out of a precarious situation. The duo forged a solid 138-run stand to help India post 266 on the board before rain had the final say.

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The Super Fours saw a re-match between India and Pakistan with rain forcing the game to be played across two days. But unlike the previous encounter, Rohit Sharma & Co absolutely pummelled the men in green at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The opening duo of Rohit and Shubman Gill produced a century partnership which was followed by a record 233-run partnership between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.

Later, Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul highlighted the second innings as India bundled out Babar Azam & Co for 128, registering their biggest-ever win against Pakistan in ODIs.

Former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar was extremely elated over India’s phenomenal win. Speaking with India Today, he said that India hammered Pakistan just like a washerman beats the cloth in a ‘dhobi ghat’.

“Forget about the biggest victory, puri tarah se dhula diya (we just hammered them), just as you wash clothes in a dhobi ghat. If you are a good team, you don’t let the result of the previous match affect you. If they think too much about it, they won’t be able to concentrate on the next match. I don’t expect Pakistan to make such a mistake,” he said.

While Kohli notched up his 47^th ODI hundred on Monday, Rahul announced his comeback with his 6^th hundred in One-Day Internationals. He scored 111 not out off 109 balls with the help of 11 boundaries and 2 sixes.

Impressed with his knock, Gavaskar said Rahul certainly made a statement that he is fully fit and raring to go in the World Cup.

“KL Rahul not only scored a century but also kept wickets. He made a big statement amid all the talk about his fitness. He proved that he is completely fit. Jasprit Bumrah, too, looked in great rhythm. His run-up looked good, and he swung the ball both ways. Even a world-class batter like Babar Azam was unable to play him,” he said.