Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar (Image Credit: Twitter)

Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar opined that Ravichandran Ashwin bowls defensively when playing white-ball cricket. He asserted that the off-spinner’s main aim is on “keeping his economy rate in check” rather than hunting for wickets in the T20 format.

This assessment from Sanjay Manjrekar has come after Ashwin’s under-par performances in IPL 2021. He has taken only 4 wickets in 9 matches, averaging 63.50, but managed to keep his economy under 8. A legend with the red ball, Ashwin has made his return to India’s white-ball setup as he has been selected in the squad for the T20 World Cup.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Delhi Capitals
Ravichandran Ashwin (Image Credit: Twitter)

“When Ashwin plays white-ball cricket, he never looks to go after taking wickets, which is unlike his approach in the Test matches. In the T20s, his main focus relies on keeping his economy rate in check,” Sanjay Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.

Ashwin’s performance versus Mumbai might bother Ricky Ponting: Sanjay Manjrekar

The 56-year-old commentator further felt that Ashwin’s performance with the ball versus Mumbai Indians, 1/41, on the same pitch where Axar Patel took a three-wicket haul, may be a concern for the DC head coach, Ricky Ponting. However, he opined, Ashwin is unlikely to be dropped considering the crucial hand he played with the bat in Delhi’s win.

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Avesh Khan and Rishabh Pant
Avesh Khan (left), Ravichandran Ashwin and Rishabh Pant (right). Credits: IPL

“During the last game against MI Axar picked up 3 wickets and Ashwin leaked 10 runs per over in a low-scoring encounter, this might bother Ricky Ponting. But seeing that match as a one of game, he might not drop the off-spinner,” Sanjay Manjrekar added.

The Capitals are second on the points table with 18 points in 12 matches. They take on Chennai Super Kings on Monday in Dubai.

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