Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is redefining batting in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) with a dynamic transformation.
Renowned for his consistent boundary-hitting, Ashwin has added an exciting new facet to his game, captivating fans in TNPL 2024.
Ravichandran Ashwin shakes up TNPL 2024 with explosive batting overhaul
Ahead of the TNPL 2024 Final against the Lyca Kovai Kings in Chennai, Dindigul Dragons captain Ravichandran Ashwin disclosed that he aimed to enhance his all-round abilities, particularly his batting, during IPL 2024. This shift led him to master hitting the ball both sides of the boundary, yielding remarkable results.
In the recent TNPL Qualifier 2 against Idream Tiruppur Tamizhans at Chepauk, Ashwin delivered a stunning performance. The veteran off-spinner transformed into a dynamic batsman, unleashing a series of reverse sweeps against left-arm spinners R Sai Kishore and S Ajith Ram that left everyone amazed.
His explosive 28 runs off just nine balls against Sai Kishore, at a strike rate exceeding 300, showcased his newly acquired skills and fearless approach. With an impressive strike rate of 166.66 and 200 runs in eight innings—five as an opener or at No. 3 for the Dindigul Dragons—Ashwin proves that age is just a number.
His adaptability and innovation at the top of the order or No. 3 reflect his relentless quest for excellence. Ashwin noted that his batting evolution not only keeps him engaged but also redefines his role in the game, making him a player to watch in the upcoming IPL mega auction.
I felt like I needed to widen my game in the last IPL: Ashwin
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have often utilized promoting Ashwin to assist their finishers in the IPL, and now he has expanded his range with the bat at the age of 37 years. He’s now effectively playing boundary shots square of the wicket, and the results are impressive in the ongoing TNPL 2024.
Ravichandran Ashwin said at the pre-match press conference: “Look, everything is work in progress, right? It’s all about repetitions and understanding angles and triggers. Obviously, in the last IPL, I felt like I needed to widen my game and widen my horizons square of the wicket because I know I can hit the ball down the ground and I can use my feet. Do I want to explore other options? is something I had to ask myself. So, if I can ask that question and if I can find an answer, it gives me a new avenue to explore and keep myself interested in the game.”
Dindigul’s rising left-arm spinner, P Vignesh, was overlooked for India’s Under-19 World Cup squad earlier this year, but he has since impressed with his precision and control in the TNPL.
Likewise, Tiruppur’s allrounder Mohamed Ali, who also missed out on the Under-19 World Cup team, has been making waves with his off-spin in the TNPL. Ashwin has urged these young talents to view setbacks as chances to grow and refine their skills.
