Ashwin Expands His Game After IPL 2024
India’s veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has admitted that he felt the need to expand his game following the IPL 2024. Renowned for his spin wizardry, Ashwin has also showcased his batting prowess in the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Under his captaincy, Dindigul Dragons have reached the final of TNPL 2024, where they will face Shahrukh Khan’s Lyca Kovai Kings. Ashwin, Dindigul’s third-highest run-scorer, has impressed with his innovative sweeps, especially against left-arm pacers. Reflecting on his decision, Ashwin said, “In the last IPL, I felt the need to widen my game and horizons square of the wicket. I knew I could hit down the ground and use my feet, but I wanted to explore other options to keep myself interested in the game.”
Ashwin Broadens His Horizons
Ashwin’s hard work on his batting has paid off, as evident from his 200 runs in eight innings at a staggering strike-rate of 167 in the TNPL. The 37-year-old expanded his range in his first full season at the TNPL, demonstrating his ability to find boundaries, a skill leveraged by the Rajasthan Royals when they promoted him up the batting order in the IPL. This move was intended to reduce pressure on the finishers.
Shahrukh Credits Gujarat Titans
Meanwhile, Lyca Kovai Kings’ skipper Shahrukh Khan credits his improved batting against spinners to his stint with IPL side Gujarat Titans. “We had a camp for a couple of months, where I focused on my spin game because they wanted me to bat up the order,” Shahrukh explained. “Batting up the order, especially with my concerns against spin, meant I needed to improve. The front press I’m doing in this TNPL has helped me score off both the front and back foot.”
TNPL Final Showdown
The TNPL final between Dindigul Dragons and Lyca Kovai Kings will be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on August 4, Sunday. Both teams, led by their seasoned captains, are set to deliver an exciting conclusion to the tournament.(live score cricket ipl)