IPL 2023: Ravindra Jadeja was unplayable for 2-3 overs, says R Ashwin

Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin admitted that his counterpart Ravindra Jadeja was unplayable for two-three overs after their three-run win against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

Jadeja bowled a fantastic spell of 2-21 in his quota of four overs. The left-arm orthodox spinner dismissed Devdutt Padikkal and Sanju Samson in the same over to get CSK back into the contest.

RR decided to promote Ravichandran Ashwin to number five position and the right-hander had the rub of the green as he was dropped on the first ball (by Moeen Ali) he faced against Jadeja.

Jadeja was getting the ball to turn and grip despite the fact he was bowling quickly through the air. Thus, he made it difficult for the batters to gauge his line and length. As a result, Ashwin got off to a slow start as he failed to get going against his Indian spin partner.

“I felt like I was playing a Test match when Jadeja was bowling. These are the things that we will encounter with different teams in different home grounds. I just felt it was perfect for the left-arm spinner to hit that spot, the side spin at good speed. Jadeja was unplayable for those 2-3 overs, the ball was spinning from outside leg stump sometimes,” said Ashwin in the post-match press conference.

On the other hand, Sandeep Sharma was able to hold his nerve towards the end as he defended 21 runs against MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin also showered praise on Sandeep Sharma for getting the job done.

“I really like his commitment and attitude. He is someone who will fight and doesn’t get flustered, even at 7 needed off 3, he was fine and had his own plan and wanted to deliver what he could deliver. I feel going full to MS Dhoni at that time is not the best option. So yeah, going forward it’s a lesson learnt but phenomenal from Sandeep,” said Ashwin.

Ashwin scored 30 runs from 22 balls after he was promoted in the batting order. The right-hander got off to a sedate start but he smashed two sixes against Akash Singh before he was dismissed. Ashwin added he is ready to play any kind of role for the team.

“How can I just walk up to bat higher up the order on my own? Every single match that we play, I am padded up either as a showpiece or a batter. I’m ready to go anytime. If you put a batter in that position, they might not be willing to bat at any position, but for someone like me, who doesn’t bat as much throughout the season, I’m glad that I get the opportunity,” Ashwin added.

Rajasthan Royals will face defending champions Gujarat Titans on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.