R Ashwin’s daring decision: Refuses to bowl this star batter in IPL because…

New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin recently announced his retirement from international cricket after a remarkable 14-year career. The 38-year-old spinner ranks as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, behind Anil Kumble. Renowned for his mastery in the longest format, Ashwin also made significant contributions in white-ball cricket. A 2011 ODI World Cup champion, he played 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is, taking 156 and 72 wickets, respectively, cementing his legacy as a versatile and influential cricketer.

Ravichandran Ashwin will continue to play club cricket and feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Recently picked by Chennai Super Kings, he returns to the franchise after a 10-year gap. The off-spinner has played 212 IPL matches since 2009, taking 180 wickets.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif recently shared an interesting anecdote highlighting Ravichandran Ashwin’s brilliance on the field. Kaif, who was serving as an assistant coach with Delhi Capitals, recalled Ashwin’s time at the franchise alongside Australian batter Steve Smith.

In a recent video, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared an insightful anecdote about Ravichandran Ashwin’s cricketing acumen during their time together at Delhi Capitals. Kaif reminisced about the 2020 IPL season when Ashwin played a key role in the team’s successful run to the final, taking crucial wickets, including those of cricketing giants like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Kieron Pollard. Ashwin’s contributions continued in 2021, with his selection for the T20 World Cup after another strong IPL performance.

Kaif recalled an incident that left him in awe of Ashwin’s sharp cricketing mind. “Steve Smith was part of our team, and one day I asked Ashwin to bowl to him in the nets. However, Ashwin refused, citing that Smith had a camera attached to his helmet. He was concerned that Smith would record the deliveries and analyze them ahead of the World Cup,” Kaif shared. Though Kaif hadn’t noticed the camera, Ashwin’s attention to detail and in-depth analysis of the game impressed him greatly.

Ashwin’s decision to not bowl to Smith showcased his strategic thinking. He was always ready to support his teammates, but he wasn’t about to help Smith gain an advantage for a major international tournament like the World Cup. Ashwin went on to play three matches in the 2021 T20 World Cup, taking six wickets, though India’s campaign ended disappointingly, with the team failing to reach the semifinals. The tournament also marked the end of Virat Kohli’s captaincy in the shortest format.