Last Updated on 3 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Knew Royals would pick me when they bid for me – R Ashwin | Ravichandran Ashwin says he knew he would join the Royals
India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said he knew the Rajasthan Royals would pick him as soon as they put their first bid in at the IPL 2022 Mega Auction.
Ashwin joins an attack that comprises of the experienced Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal and Prasidh Krishna, which places the Royals in a good position to make a strong mark in this year’s IPL. Also, Ashwin spoke about the connection he has with the Royals and their presence as a franchise in the IPL.
In a press release from the franchise, Ashwin said, “As soon as I saw Rajasthan Royals bid for me, I just knew they were going to pick me. I’ve known a lot of people here for a long time, people who I talk a lot of cricket with, so yes there is that connection.”
“The Royals, for me, are a team that just resonates immediately. For me, they’ve been a different team – always ahead of its time with regards to their planning and approach. They’re very bold and experimental in the way they approach their cricket, which is also the way in which I see my game, so it should be a good synchronization and I’m looking forward to it,” said the off-spinner.
“Sanju has an amazing attitude” – Ashwin
The new recruit was glowing in his assessment of Royals’ captain Sanju Samson. Ashwin said that the skipper is always open to new ideas in discussions, and this will hold the team in good stead.
Samson is coming off a strong IPL 2021 campaign, where he scored 484 runs at an average of 40.33 and strike rate of 136.72. It was a breakthrough campaign of sorts, and Ashwin is backing him to improve even further.
“I think Sanju has got an amazing attitude and a good head on his shoulders. He’s always open for discussion, open to opinions around the game, so that’s a great quality to have,” said Ashwin.
“I do believe Sanju has got the vantage point as a wicketkeeper to judge the game with all the angles, the pitch and how things are going to work. He also has age on his side, and will definitely get better. I hope he has one blockbuster of a year.”
