In the last IPL, I felt like I needed to widen my game: Ravichandran Ashwin

One might assume that Indian off-spinner, R. Ashwin, would be satisfied with his existing skill set, augmented by an expansive cricketing intellect. However, this is far from the case. Leading Dindigul Dragons in the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League 2024, Ashwin elaborated on the nuanced enhancements he had integrated into his all-round skills, particularly with the bat.

Opening up on amplification of his power-hitting, predominantly by navigating boundaries skilfully, the veteran cricketer revealed the process to be a part of a perpetual development. He went on to emphasize the importance of hitting the ball on either sides of the boundary.

“Look, everything is work in progress, right? You can even ask Shahrukh Khan about it. How does he do power-hitting…how do you hit the ball through the off-side and leg-side? It's all about repetitions, and understanding angles and triggers,” stated Ashwin on the eve of TNPL final, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“In the last IPL, I felt like I needed to widen my game and widen my horizons square of the wicket because I know I can hit the ball down the ground, and I can use my feet. 'Do I want to explore other options?' is something I had to ask myself. So, if I can ask that question and if I can find an answer, it gives me a new avenue to explore and keep myself interested in the game,” added Ashwin.

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In five of Ashwin's eight innings this edition, he has either opened the batting or occupied the No. 3 position, reminiscent of his formative days when he had started off as a top-order batter before turning to becoming a full-time offie. He has amassed 200 runs in eight innings at an impressive strike rate of 166.66, and would be keen on playing one last impactful knock to boost his side's chances of a maiden TNPL title triumph.