Did Ravichandran Ashwin insult Sunil Narine in his recent remarks? Here's what the off-spinner said
Published - 05 May 2024, 01:43 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:11 AM
Veteran India and Rajasthan Royals (RR) off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin offered insights into the remarkable performances of Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Narine on batting-friendly pitches in the ongoing IPL 2024. Ashwin credited Bumrah’s unique bowling action for his incredible performance for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing IPL 2024.
Ashwin has sparked controversy by taking a dig at Narine’s bowling action, as the Indian spinner opted not to delve into the details of the Caribbean star’s success with the ball for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing IPL 2024, despite his remarkable performance.
However, Ashwin, who has been completely out of color for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) this season, praised Narine's exceptional form, but he decided not to analyze the factors contributing to his success when the other bowlers are getting brutally handled by the batters this season.
R Ashwin takes a dig at Sunil Narine for his success in IPL 2024
In the ongoing IPL 2024, where the bowlers are finding it hard to attack the batters and get success, Bumrah (6.25) and Narine (6.72) are the only bowlers in the Purple Cap race who have an economy less than 7. Bumrah is currently the highest wicket taker with 17 wickets for MI in 11 games so far.
On the other hand, Narine has been outstanding for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with both bat and ball in the ongoing IPL 2024 so far. In 10 matches, the KKR spinner has taken 13 wickets at an economy rate of 6.72. Narine has also showcased his batting skills admirably, as a left-handed batter amassed 380 runs at a striking strike rate of 179.24, including a century.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “Bumrah has a really good unique point – He has got a distinct advantage compared to other pacers due to his release point. I won’t talk about Sunil Narine. It’s wrong according to my policy. Narine was also getting hit 2-3 seasons ago. This season he’s been outstanding. But let’s not get into that topic.”
Notably, Ashwin has been going through a rough patch this season, taking only two wickets at an economy of 9.00, but the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are leading the IPL 2024 points table with 16 points from 10 games. Whereas KKR is ranked second with 14 points, MI is at the bottom of the points table despite Bumrah’s brilliance with the ball.
Sunil Narine had a history of bowling action
Narine will be in action on Sunday, May 5, when KKR will take on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, while Bumrah will take the field against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Monday, May 6, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Ashwin’s RR will next face the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the ongoing IPL 2024 on May 7.
Notably, Narine has faced challenges with his bowling action in the past. His troubles came to light during the 2014 Champions League T20 final when his arm was found to be bending beyond the permissible limit of 15 degrees, leading him to miss the match. Then, in 2015, he was banned from bowling in international cricket due to concerns over his bowling action.
After he worked on his action, Narine was cleared to bowl in all formats of cricket in 2016. However, his bowling action came under scrutiny again during the 2018 Pakistan Super League and midway through the IPL 2020. Well, Narine addressed the issues, undertaking remodeling efforts to rectify his action, and he was cleared to continue his cricketing career.
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