Legendary Sachin Tendulkar has showered praise on Ravichandran Ashwin, stating he is someone who will fight till the last delivery. Ashwin was added to India’s World Cup squad after Axar Patel was ruled out with a quadriceps injury.

The veteran off-spinner was able to grab his opportunity as he scalped four wickets in the two matches he played against Australia before the ODI showpiece. Ashwin had scalped 1-47 in the opening game whereas he was at his lethal best in the second game, returning with 3-41 in the seven overs he bowled.

Ashwin dismissed Cameron Green in the team’s World Cup opener and returned with impressive figures of 1-34 in his quota of 10 overs at his home ground in Chennai on Sunday.

However, Ashwin was dropped from the final XI in the second game against Afghanistan as India brought in Shardul Thakur in his place.

“He is an experienced campaigner and someone who will fight till the last delivery. I know it. He would never be out of the game. His attitude, His approach towards the game is magnificent. I’ve always liked Ashwin as a bowler and a handy batsman,” said Tendulkar on his YouTube Channel.

Meanwhile, India’s spin battery was right on the money against Australia, with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav taking three and two wickets respectively. India was able to skittle out Australia for 199 runs and the spinners took a total of six wickets between them.

On the other hand, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were able to rescue the team out of trouble after they lost three early wickets. Rahul scored an unbeaten knock of 97 runs whereas Kohli once again showed why he is regarded as one of the all-time ODI greats, as he scored a masterclass knock of 85 runs under pressure.

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has won the toss and he has decided to bat first against India.