Ashwin targets rusty Steve Smith’s wicket: Despite lauding Smith’s efforts, the KXIP captain looks to dismiss the Royals batsman on comeback.
“I am no slouch in limited-over formats,” Kings XI Punjab captain Ravichandran Ashwin had said during a recent event in Mumbai. Having last represented India in white-ball formats in July 2017, Ashwin has seen rookie spinners becoming regular for India at the highest level.
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With a looming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Ashwin was asked about his prospects of making it to the squad for the world event. Putting the onus on the selectors, Ashwin did mention that he would love to play if he is selected for the showpiece event.
“I can’t answer the question. Selectors have to answer that. But as far I am concerned I have played two World Cups. If I deserve and I am selected I would love to play,” Ashwin was quoted as saying.
Once considered as a difficult to read bowler in limited-overs cricket, Ashwin’s numbers had received a slight hit before he was dropped. Being asked about if the current spinners in Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav would go through the same phase, Ashwin laid emphasis on adapting to the conditions irrespective of being a bowler or batsman.
“Cricket nowadays reveal all. There is lot of analysis and cameras can read out every movement of your fingers. The secret is to adapt to conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, earlier he was very strong on leg side but he adapted and now he is as strong on off side too,” Ashwin said.
“Looking to take advantage of Steve Smith’s rustiness”
King XI will commence their journey in IPL 2019 against Rajasthan Royals at Jaipur tomorrow. With Australia batsman Steve Smith making a comeback after a year, Ashwin was asked about the same. While the Punjab skipper lauded Smith’s efforts, he also mentioned that his team would be looking to bank on his rustiness.
“We all know he is a quality player and must have worked and prepared hard during the break but comebacks are not easy. He must have put a lot of efforts for a comeback mentally. I am sure he would look to perform and on the other hand we would look to take advantage of his rustiness,” Ashwin concluded.
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