Rajasthan Royals off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed a significant struggle that many fans were unaware of during the initial stages of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which began shortly after the conclusion of the last Test between India and England. As a key player for the Rajasthan Royals and a prominent figure in the Indian Test squad, Ashwin had his work cut out for him when he transitioned from the five-match Test series to the fast-paced T20 format.
Ashwin made an eye-opening admission, stating that he wasn’t completely fit when the tournament kicked off. “Truth be told, [in] the first half of the season, my body wasn’t moving at all,” Ashwin said. He elaborated that he felt unable to complete his bowling action on numerous occasions due to a lingering abdomen injury. The injury not only hampered his physical performance but also disrupted his rhythm, a critical aspect for any bowler in T20 cricket.
The statistics from the first half of the season painted a grim picture. Ashwin could only manage to take two wickets in nine matches, an underwhelming performance for a bowler of his caliber. However, this narrative has since taken a dramatic turn. Over his next four outings, Ashwin has secured seven scalps, dramatically improving his wicket tally. Additionally, his economy rate, which was around 9 in the initial matches, has dropped to a commendable 6.81 in the most recent games. This resurgence is a testament to his resilience and phenomenal skill in adapting to the demand of T20 cricket.
Ashwin attributed his recovery and improved performance to the necessity of getting back into rhythm. “For me, it was more about the rhythm, and [about] hitting the right lengths. You come from Test-match mode, your body also needs to get into it,” he explained.
. Transitioning from the meticulous and prolonged spells of Test cricket to the quick, high-intensity overs of T20 cricket is a formidable challenge, especially as age adds another layer of difficulty. Ashwin noted, “I mean, I am ageing, so it’s not that easy anymore.”
However, his commitment to the franchise and the vibrant team environment encouraged him to push through the pain. “But having committed to your franchise and the kind of boys we have in the dressing room, I put my body on the line in many of the games,” Ashwin said. He emphasized the importance of the repetitions required to regain his rhythm, revealing that he engaged in a substantial amount of bowling off the field to ensure he was back in form for the crucial latter stages of the tournament.
The dynamic shift in the Royals’ fortunes has paralleled Ashwin’s resurgence. The team had endured four consecutive losses and a washout before their recent game, while their opponents, Royal Challengers Bangalore, were riding high on a six-match winning streak. The tide, however, turned dramatically during the game, illustrating the ever-unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.
Ashwin credited the turnaround to the youthful exuberance and the balanced contribution from senior players within the squad. “The greatest strength of our team is the exuberance of youth and the balance of the senior players,” he remarked. Highlighting key contributions from players like Shimron Hetmyer, who returned to the lineup, and Rovman Powell, whose timely boundaries proved to be critical, Ashwin stressed the renewed confidence the team holds going into their upcoming game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
The Royals also boast a strong spinning contingent, with players like Keshav Maharaj even sitting out during some matches, adding strategic depth to their lineup. “We’ve got a decent spin attack; we’ve got Keshav [Maharaj] sitting outside. If you can get off to a good start against SRH, you never really know,” Ashwin added, setting a hopeful and determined tone for their upcoming fixtures.
Ashwin’s revelation and subsequent turnaround underscore the physical and mental toughness required to compete at the highest levels of sport, particularly in a grueling tournament like the IPL. As the Rajasthan Royals gear up for the business end of IPL 2024, Ashwin’s stellar comeback serves as a beacon of inspiration, illustrating that perseverance and dedication can indeed lead to remarkable recoveries and standout performances.
