IPL 2022: Ravichandran Ashwin ‘hoping to make a difference’ for Rajasthan Royals

Ravichandran Ashwin, who will be one of the most senior cricketers in Rajasthan Royals’ dressing room, said that he plans on using his experience to help the youngsters in the team. The off-spinner will be in action when Sanju Samson and company kick off their IPL 2022 campaign against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 29. 

Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal will form a lethal spin duo for the Royals this year. While the latter is India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, with 68 scalps in 54 games, the former recently surpassed Kapil Dev to become the country’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests. 

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However, Ashwin said that numbers and personal milestones are ‘just part of the journey and not final destination’. He dismissed 13 Sri Lankan batsmen in the three-match Test series ahead of IPL 2022 at an average of 15.08. The 35-year-old is currently the eighth-highest wicket-taker in Tests with a tally of 442 scalps.

“The numbers are great, and it’s humbling really to see what I’ve been able to do in terms of the numbers. The more I’ve played, the more it felt like the numbers are a part of the journey rather than the destination,” Ashwin said in a release published by the Rajasthan Royals on Monday. 

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He was added to the Rajasthan squad for Rs 5 crore. 

“The IPL is a tough tournament, there are a lot of variables leading into every season which can have an impact. Dew, pitches, the opposition, you name it and there’s a variable that can impact a game in different ways – which makes it a challenge to prepare for things in advance and you’ve got to be ready at all times,” Ashwin said in the release. 

Ashwin further shed some light on his potential role in the RR camp. 

“However, for me, personally, going into an IPL season is always exciting. The IPL gives a window of experimentation, something which has enabled me to come out a richer cricketer, irrespective of the results, every time I’ve been a part of it. I feel contribution to a team is far beyond than just contributing on the ground. I’ve always been a person who enjoys talking about cricket and have been very open in terms of having a discussion with anyone around the sport.”

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“With my experience and communication skills, I’ll try to have discussions with anyone who wants to have a discussion and help to the best of my ability, hopefully making a difference to the squad from within,” he said.