Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023, the Australian cricket team opted for simulation training rather than playing warm-up games.

After landing in India last week, the Pat Cummins-led side set their base in Bengaluru, where they practised on rank turners by bringing in a little-known Baroda spinner Mahesh Pithiya, whose bowling action resembles R Ashwin’s, as their net bowler.

With two days to go for the opening Test in Nagpur, Mahesh interacted with PTI and shared his experience of bowling to the Australian batters in the nets.

"Maine pahle din hi Steve Smith ko 5 se 6 baar out kiya thaa nets mein (I had got Smith out at least six times in the nets on first day)," Mahesh stated.

This stint with the Australian team also gave him an opportunity to meet his idol Ashwin and the 21-year-old was over the moon.  

"Today I got blessings from my idol. I have always wanted to bowl like him. When I am met him as he was entering the nets, I touched his feet and sought his blessings. He hugged me and then asked what exactly am I bowling to the Australians," Mahesh said.

"Virat Kohli also smiled at me and gestured thumbs up and wished me luck."

Mahesh Pithiya, who has only four first-class matches under his belt, has just started his journey and his aim is to secure a place in the Baroda team.

"I have started my journey in Ranji Trophy and I want to focus on my red ball game. I want to cement my place in the Baroda side. I am not thinking about IPL now," he said.

When asked whether he has a carrom ball or a slider like Ashwin, Mahesh replied: "No, I don't bowl carrom ball or doosra. My stock ball is off break and another ball that I have myself developed is one that has a bit of backspin in it. But I bowl that in white-ball cricket."

Bowling to Smith and Labuschagne has been a life-changing experience for him.

"It has been amazing to work with this Australian side. My job is to mainly bowl to Steve Smith at Australia nets. He didn't ask me to bowl anything specific."

Mahesh also feels lucky to be able to interact with veteran Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

"Lyon first asked me to show my grip and explain what I do while rolling my fingers. He then explained how I can get more revs (rotation) on the ball and also how my front leg (left) should land. He told me to have confidence in my ability."

Mahesh Pithiya will be with the Australian team till the start of the second Test in Delhi.

"I am there with the team till February 17. It has been a life changer for me," he said.

(With PTI Inputs)