SRH vs RR: Ravichandran Ashwin reveals pre-match banter with Virat Kohli

The veteran Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his delight after his team's resounding win over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2024 Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 22.

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) saved best for the IPL 2024 Playoffs, as they blazing all the guns against the red-hot Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the eliminator despite coming into the do-or-die clash with four back-to-back defeats in the league stage of the tournament.

However, RR managed to outclass the RCB by four wickets in the IPL 2024 Eliminator to advance in the tournament, gearing up for their next challenge with renewed confidence and determination, as they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 2 in Chennai on May 24.

We were a bit short of confidence: Ravichandran Ashwin

After RR’s remarkable triumph over the RCB, Ashwin reflected on the significant turnaround his team achieved in the crucial phase of the IPL 2024. He admitted that the Royals lacked confidence before this clash, and he was not happy with his team’s successful chase against Bengaluru. However, the senior spinner now hopes for a more clinical performance in Qualifier 2.

Ravichandran Ashwin said in a video shared by RR on X: “This turnaround is required here. We were a bit short of confidence, which is an understatement. I think we should admit that. This chase wasn’t the perfect one, I would have liked a perfect chase. But nevertheless, leaving that little bit empty right. It gives you the opportunity to surpass that in the next game. So, I look forward to a clinical and a really good game next time.”

Speaking about the turning point of the game, Ashwin credited Trent Boult's spell and his own contribution to limiting RCB to just 35 runs in eight overs. He believed that restricting RCB to 170 was crucial and felt the Bengaluru team was at least 20- runs short of the challenging target.

The spinner noted: “Yeah, I think, Trent Boult and the spell I bowled together and giving eight overs for some 35 runs. That doesn’t happen on too many days, so I think that is very special. I thought 170 was at least 20 runs below par.”

Ashwin hails RCB's turnaround and reveals chat with Virat Kohli

Ashwin also revealed that he exchanged messages with Virat Kohli before the Eliminator and even their on-field chat during the tense game in Ahmedabad. He revealed: “I just messaged him looking forward to the battle, taking him one more time. We have had battles many times, he doesn’t get out to me very often.

We have a very challenging battle. Even today, after the fifth ball that I bowled, the sixth ball I put the extra cover back and brought the point in and Virat was like: “You are too defensive”.”

Reflecting on RCB's resurgence in the IPL 2024, Ashwin hailed the way they played and qualified for the IPL 2024 playoffs, saying he really enjoyed their special show.

He signed off by saying: “They came in with a lot of momentum, it was not an easy turnaround for them. And the way they went about their last seven games was something I watched from afar and I really enjoyed.”

Watch Here:

Kohli to Ashwin: You’re playing too defensive! 😂

Had a chat with our Player of the Match last night, don’t miss 👌💗 p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->3<!---->f<!---->K<!---->p<!---->f<!---->A<!---->o<!---->8<!---->B<!---->7

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) M<!---->a<!---->y<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4