Ravichandran Ashwin Lauds Adil Rashid’s “Absolute Seed” to Dismiss Tilak Varma

England’s Adil Rashid’s stunning delivery in the third T20I rattled India’s Tilak Varma, shifting momentum in England’s favor.

Rajkot (Gujarat), January 29: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin heaped praise on England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid after his exceptional delivery dismissed an in-form Tilak Varma during the third T20I in Rajkot.

Chasing 172 runs, India found themselves in a precarious situation after losing their top order. Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya aimed to steady the innings and keep India’s chase alive.

Tilak, fresh off a stunning boundary against Liam Livingstone, appeared ready to take charge once again. However, Rashid had other plans. On the final ball of the eighth over, Rashid unleashed a perfectly tossed-up delivery just outside off. Tilak, looking to create space, stepped back, but the ball turned sharply upon gripping the surface, beating his inside edge and crashing into the stumps.

Rashid’s dismissal of Tilak—his first in five T20I innings—was a pivotal moment. Tilak had been in scintillating form, scoring 336 runs across his previous two dismissals.

Ashwin, impressed by Rashid’s craft, took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend the delivery:
“Absolute seed. Scrambled seam and serious side spin. Top bowling Adil Rashid.”

India Falter in Chase

Tilak’s departure marked a turning point as India’s chances began to fade. England’s bowlers capitalized on the momentum, reducing India to 85/5 after Washington Sundar’s dismissal.

Without their power-hitters Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel on the field, the required run rate spiraled out of control, resulting in India falling short by 26 runs.

Series Still Alive

With the series now at 2-1 in India’s favor, the Men in Blue will have another opportunity to clinch the series in the fourth T20I at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Friday. A win would give India an unassailable lead, while England will look to level the series and keep their hopes alive.