Ravichandran Ashwin described his three years in Rajasthan Royals as a career defining period. He acknowledged this period as his T20 career rejuvenating period that helped him to make a comeback in Indian Cricket team too. He threw light on the fact that it was the perfect utilisation of his skills by the franchise that helped him out, and also he enjoyed his time there. Ashwin was very specific to highlight the fact that he enjoyed playing cricket in RR even more than his initial years for Tamil Nadu Cricket.

In an interview to Star Sports, the Indian spinning wizard said “My three years stint in Rajasthan Royals was the best period. The way Rajasthan Royals utilized my skills and management backed me helped me a lot to even comeback to Indian Cricket Team. Not only that, the way I have enjoyed playing cricket for the franchise, I have not enjoyed like that anywhere not even in my U19 or U20 times playing for Tamil Nadu.”

Ashwin had an incredible stint when he played for the Royals. He was even promoted as a floater in the batting order and the year 2022 was marked as one of his batting performances. He amassed 191 runs at a strike rate of 141. He even scored his highest IPL score in career 50 against Delhi Capitals in 2022. Ofcourse, his bowling along with Yuzvendra Chahal was a major part of RR’s heavy spin attack that dismantled batsmen.

Ravichandran Ashwin on Virat Kohli’s four off Kagiso Rabada during RCB vs GT

R Aswhin picked up two fours by Virat Kohli through point region as his favourite shot last day against Gujarat Titans. In Kagiso Rabada’s first over, Virat Kohli chose to hit five consecutive boundaries. Ashwin closely noticed the fact that the chase master doesn’t generally hit through point from front foot. Ashwin couldn’t stop appreciating his former teammates skills and timing of that shot opening face of his willow.

"He hit fours on both sides of point. That was my favorite because Virat doesn't hit there from the front foot. He opened the face of the bat while hitting.” Ashwin said.

He also appreciated Kohli’s mindgames saying that always matters more and comes with only the kind of years of experience that Kohli has.

"Virat has played for so many years. So, obviously, a lot of the bowlers go on the back foot against him, even those who have played with him. Virat Kohli knows this, too. The game is more about the mind than skill, and Virat is a little ahead in that," he concluded.

Virat Kohli made a 13 ball 28 runs in the game. Although for the explosive first over, Rabada had the last laugh. Kagiso, in his next over, dismissed King Kohli with a short-pitched ball, and Ashwin too appreciated this comeback by the young South African Pacer.

“The way Rabada came back, used the angle and got height on the bouncer, it completely changed the game. Holder's spell was match-changing as well, but that particular wicket completely turned the game around." Ashwin added.

RCB was stunned the other day by GT as they chased the target down in 15.5 overs with excellent batting prowess from Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler