IPL 2018, RCB vs KXIP: Hits and Misses

#4 Hit: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin had a very good game with both bat and ball

Ahead of the IPL, Ravichandran Ashwin was seen practising leg-spin and, with wrist-spinners calling the shots, he was going to use his new weapon (leg-spin) more often. After a good opening game, both as captain and bowler (picking up 1/23 in 4 overs), Ashwin continued his good form.

First, he contributed with the bat when KXIP were in trouble. Ashwin walked out to bat at 110/6 in the 14th over and, scored a fluent 33 in 21 balls. His innings helped Punjab post a competitive total of 155.

With the ball, he was expensive in his first three overs as he gave away 29 runs. But, he turned it around in his final over. On the second ball of his fourth over, looking at Quinton de Kock advance down the track, Ashwin pulled his length back a touch and pushed it through and castled de Kock. Off the very next delivery, he unleashed the leg-spinner in him and dismissed Sarfaraz Khan to reduce RCB to 87/4.

Ashwin’s captaincy was spot on as well. He made some good bowling changes and was aggressive with his captaincy.