Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his delight in delivering for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their must-win game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2024 Eliminator. The 37-year-old revealed his struggle with an abdomen injury and the challenges of aging but was relieved to make a strong comeback in the second half of the season.
Ashwin also mentioned that transitioning from Test cricket to a T20 mindset took some time after the five-game series between India and England. He was named Player of the Match for his performance, taking 2/19 in four overs as RR defeated RCB by six wickets to advance to Qualifier 2.
In his post-match comments, the off-spinner said:
“In the first half, I felt my body wasn’t moving too well for the first half of the season. I had an abdomen injury as well.”
”I am aging as well. To come into the tournament from Test cricket was difficult, I needed some time to get that bowling rhythm. But once you have committed to your franchise, you want to go through with the season.”
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Ashwin secured only one wicket in his initial seven games but has taken eight wickets in his recent six outings. The versatile player aims to maintain his excellent form against SRH in Qualifier 2.
“Our greatest strength is the exuberance of youth and the experience” –Ravichandran Ashwin praises RR’s victory over RCB in the IPL 2024 Eliminator
Ravichandran Ashwin also commended Rajasthan Royals for effectively blending youth and experience to excel in the T20 tournament. He expressed his joy at witnessing Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell stepping up in the crucial match.
The veteran spinner suggested that having Keshav Maharaj as the third spinner available would greatly benefit the Royals, especially in his hometown Chennai, which will host the remaining two IPL 2024 matches. Ashwin remarked:
“I think our greatest strength is the exuberance of youth and the experience we have got to support that. Now that Hettie is back in, and Rovman [Powell] got a few boundaries today as well. We’ve got Keshav [Maharaj] sitting outside. We have the right momentum for this team going forward.”
The Royals will encounter the Sunrisers in Qualifier 2 at MA Chidambaram Stadium on May 24th.
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