NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif just lately shared an enchanting anecdote from his time on the Delhi Capitalsproviding a glimpse into Ravichandran Ashwin’s sharp cricketing thoughts through the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) season in Dubai.
Speaking in a video on his “In 2020, Ashwin was in great form with the white ball. His new-ball bowling helped us get wickets in the power play. Fast forward to 2021 – the T20 World Cup Was in November. There was also an IPL before that, which was in Dubai.”
During a web session, Ashwin unexpectedly paused his spell. Kaif, curious concerning the break, requested, “Ashwin, why aren’t you bowling?” to which Ashwin replied, “I won’t bowl.”
Kaif continued, “Ashwin notices every little detail in the game. He pointed out that Steve Smith had a camera fixed to his helmet. Smith was using the camera to record their bowling – Ashwin, Axar, and others. Ashwin immediately realized what was happening. He said, ‘This guy is recording us. I won’t bowl now.’”
Ashwin, realizing the recordings might be used to research their strategies forward of the upcoming T20 World Cup, stopped bowling and satisfied Axar Patel and Amit Mishra to do the identical.
“None of them bowled. Ashwin was sharp; He caught that the camera was there to record bowling techniques for analysis,” Kaif stated.
Kaif, observing from the sidelines, admired Ashwin’s tactical acumen. “I couldn’t believe the presence of mind Ashwin had. That day, he showed why he’s considered one of cricket’s sharpest minds.”
Ashwin’s just lately introduced retirement from worldwide cricket has introduced reflections on his legacy.
With 537 wickets in 106 matches, together with 115 dismissals in opposition to Australia, his potential to outwit opponents is what actually set him aside. Bought for Rs 9.75 crore, the off-spinner will as soon as once more reunite with MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings within the IPL 2025 season.
