Five reasons why Ravichandran Ashwin bowled so many variations in the second ODI against West Indies

Trying variations at international arena

Throughout his career, if there is one thing that Ashwin has tried, it is to remain relevant by doing different things. Having variations is one thing and executing them in a match scenario is completely different. And this series against West Indies gives him the perfect platform to test various variations.

Not only is it is an international match but he also some explosive hitters that can clobber in the side so it is more of a test that some may think after the second ODI at Port of Spain. Trying his variations against an international side, away from home on conditions that aren’t exactly bowler-friendly is the ideal scenario for him to develop as a spinner and continue to remain in the scheme of things in the shorter formats.

While he did try a few variations during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 as well, it wasn’t as frequent as it was in the second ODI and with an ideal platform to try new things, Ashwin is doing his best to ensure that when in it comes to high-pressure situations, he has all the weapons in his arsenal to contribute with the ball.