Ravichandran Ashwin Felt He Was "Too Busy In Shoots" And Didn't Spare Time For His Bowling - Mohammad Kaif Recalls His Time At Delhi Capitals

Former Indian player Mohammad Kaif hailed offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin for his serious commitment to the game of cricket despite being engaged in a busy schedule. Ashwin was in Delhi Capitals for two years (2020-21) before moving to Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022.

Ashwin picked 20 wickets in 28 games at an economy rate of 7.55 during his stint with the Delhi Capitals. The Tamil Nadu player is known for blocking runs in the middle overs and getting breakthroughs if needed. He can also play the anchor’s role with the bat.

Ravichandran Ashwin bowled for almost three hours in the nets: Mohammad Kaif

Kaif, who was assistant coach of Delhi Capitals last year, talked about Ashwin’s management with his bowling along with commercial commitments. The former Indian player appreciated the spin-bowling all-rounder for his determination.

“Ashwin was with me at Delhi Capitals before moving to Rajasthan Royals. I remember the previous IPL’s first half being hosted in the country. The first game (vs CSK) was at the Wankhede and leaked many runs (47 in four overs).

“It was an optional practice the next day. Players who had played the previous game had an option to rest. But Ashwin was with me on the bus. I asked him, ‘What happened? Today is just an optional session’. But he said, ‘I want to get my length right’,” Kaif told Sportskeeda. 

“He also spoke about doing too many shoots. You have many commitments in the IPL due to sponsors, and Ashwin maybe wasn’t ready for the first game. He felt he was too busy in shoots and didn’t spare time for his bowling.

“He was on the bus… and Ashwin bowled for almost three hours in the nets. He kept bowling and made the corrections. Right in the next game, he performed to his very best,” he added. 

RR vs KKR: Ravichandran Ashwin bowled Andre Russell

Ashwin was sold to Rajasthan Royals for INR 5 crore in the IPL 2022 auction, the 35-year-old has picked just a couple of wickets in six matches this season so far. Ashwin cleaned up KKR power-hitter Andre Russell with a carrom ball to send him packing for a golden duck as RR won by seven runs on Sunday.

Also Read: RR vs KKR: Watch – Ravichandran Ashwin Bamboozles Andre Russell; Sends Him Back For A Golden Duck