'How good is it to going to be' - Rajasthan Royals' new recruit R Ashwin on sharing dressing room with Jos Buttler

Senior India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was roped in by Rajasthan Royals on Day 1 of the IPL 2022 mega auction for INR 5 crore. The Royals had retained the likes of skipper Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal before the mega auction, and made some really interesting buys including Trent Boult, Shimron Hetmyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, etc. apart from Ashwin on Saturday.

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After being bought by RR, Ashwin and England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler will be seen playing together three years after their infamous incident that had shocked the cricketing world. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu cricketer has expressed his gratitude to the 2008 winners and at the same time also said that he is looking forward to sharing the dressing room with Buttler during the 15th edition of the marquee tournament.

 I am extremely delighted that Rajasthan Royals have picked me: R Ashwin

“I got picked up by Rajasthan Royals, I am extremely delighted that they have picked me, they tried hard to pick me in the last auction in 2018 but it has come through finally. I have got a great rapport with all of them in that dugout, I have a wonderful rapport with Sanju Samson as well,” said Ashwin in a video posted on the official Twitter handle of Rajasthan Royals.

“I am looking forward to giving my complete best for the franchise and hopefully doing special things for them. Looking forward to bowling alongside Yuzvendra Chahal, looking forward to sharing a dressing room with Jos Buttler, how good is it gonna be,” he added.

During an IPL 2019 league game between Punjab and Rajasthan, Ashwin, who was leading Punjab Kings, had run Buttler out at the non-strikers’ end when he had seen the batter moving out of the crease while he was about to bowl. Surprisingly, Ashwin dislodged the bails without giving a formal warning. The decision was made against the batter and both players were seen having an argument before a gutted Buttler walked back to the dugout.

That was the turning point of the contest and the Royals lost their way in the run chase. While the senior off-spinner was criticised by many including spin legend Shane Warne for his action, there were many who came forward and backed him as well.