Why is R Ashwin Not Playing Today’s IPL 2023 Match Between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals in Dharamsala?

Rajasthan Royals have made a grand total of four changes to their Playing XI for their last league match of the ongoing 16th season of the Indian Premier League against Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.

Having won the toss and opted to field first, captain Sanju Samson didn’t remember all the changes as has become a custom since the Impact Player rule has been launched. However, Samson didn’t forget that ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin isn’t part of their Playing XI tonight.

“We will bowl. Looking at the dimensions and looking as to what we require in the tournament, it is better to bowl. We need to win the game. Then see how the other games go,” Samson told host broadcaster Star Sports Network at the toss.

Why is R Ashwin Not Playing Today vs Punjab Kings?

Second-highest wicket-taker for Royals this season on the back of his 14 wickets coming at an average of 26.28, an economy rate of 7.51 and a strike rate of 21, Ashwin isn’t playing a pivotal match of the season because of back spasm.

Other players who aren’t part of the starting XI are batters Joe Root and Dhruv Jural and pacer KM Asif. Batters Devdutt Padikkal and Riyan Parag and fast bowlers Navdeep Saini and Trent Boult have been handed opportunities in place of the above mentioned names. It is almost certain that Jurel will participate as a substitute in the second innings.

Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan, who had lost the match after electing to field first in their previous match at this venue on Wednesday, remained unperturbed about being invited in to bat first. Readers must note that the home team hasn’t made any change to their Playing XI. It’s just that batter Prabhsimran Singh is in the starting XI because they are batting first tonight.

“Dew wasn’t much [in the last match]. First batting or second, it shouldn’t change much. We will come and enjoy the game. Will try to give our best shot. We need to take more wickets in the first six overs,” Dhawan told Star Sports.