IND vs AUS: Touched Ashwin's feet, he asked what I have been bowling to Aussies - Mahesh Pithiya

Mahesh Pithiya, an off-spinner from Baroda, has been in the limelight ever since Australia chose him to be a net bowler for them.

The reason - the uncanny resemblance to R Ashwin's bowling action.

In an interview with PTI, Pithiya revealed how he got Steve Smith out 5-6 times on the first day. The 21-year-old also spoke about how his meeting went with his idol Ashwin.

Also read: IND vs AUS: 'Ready to bat in middle-order if team wants' - KL Rahul

Pithiya said he touched Ashwin's feet when the veteran spinner was about to enter the nets. He added that India's veteran spinner hugged him and asked what he has been bowling to the Australians.

While Pithiya has only just started his journey in first-class cricket, he'd be hoping to emulate his idol in the coming years. For now, he's the duplicate who the Australians are hoping can help them prepare for the big challenge.

(With PTI inputs)