Legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Gurjapneet Singh for his strong comeback in the ongoing 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, following an injury setback last season. The 39-year-old highlighted how the left-arm fast bowler has been making headlines with his performances for Tamil Nadu in the 50-over tournament.
Ashwin’s comments came after Gurjapneet returned outstanding figures of 6/26, helping his team defeat Tripura by 54 runs and stay in contention for a quarterfinal spot. The 27-year-old has now claimed 15 wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 4.92. Last year, Gurjapneet missed part of IPL 2025 due to a groin injury, with Dewald Brevis replacing him in the CSK squad.
Despite the injury, the Super Kings retained Gurjapneet for INR 2.2 crore ahead of the IPL 2026 season. On Tuesday, January 6, Ashwin shared his thoughts on X:
“JAPPI WATCH Gurjapneet Singh’s comeback story after some injury setbacks last season is heartwarming to see. The tall left-arm pacer who has a wonderful slower ball is shining through in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. 15 wickets in 6 matches, including a 6/26 vs Tripura to power TN to a much-needed victory.”
“It’s important to note that he represented India in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament and picked up 7 wickets from 4 games as well. Best wishes for a solid “summer of 26,” he added.
JAPPI WATCH 👀
Gurjapneet Singh’s comeback story 🔥
after some injury setbacks last season, is heartwarming to see.The tall left arm pacer who has a wonderful slower ball is shining through in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
15 wickets in 6 matches, including a 6/26 vs Tripura to… pic.twitter.com/wo27p3FYyL
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 6, 2026
“I Used To Speak To Khaleel Bhai At CSK” – Gurjapneet Singh On His Rise As A Bowler
Gurjapneet Singh recently credited his IPL teammate Khaleel Ahmed for helping him develop as a bowler, especially in the T20 format. Speaking during the Duleep Trophy (via ESPNcricinfo):
“At CSK, I used to speak with Khaleel bhaiabout my bowling, and he shared points about bowling, especially in T20 cricket, and I’ve been able to use those learnings.”
Gurjapneet also mentioned that he has been improving his batting with guidance from CSK’s batting coach, Mike Hussey, adding:
“Whatever the coaches suggested to me, like I was working with Mike Hussey also at CSK. I then batted in the TNPL and even in my first Duleep match against North, I scored something like 29. It’s about adding to your game and contributing with the bat, too. Hussey gave me some points, and I’m also trying to get better at batting.”
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