IPL 2020: Ravi Ashwin doubtful for DC’s upcoming match against CSK, says Mohammad Kaif

Veteran off-spinner Ravi Ashwin is doubtful for Delhi Capitals’ upcoming match against the Chennai Super Kings on Friday, September 25 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In DC’s previous game against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), he injured his shoulder while attempting to stop a ball off his own bowling. Thereafter, he winced in pain and was carried off the park.

Before the next match, Mohammad Kaif, DC’s assistant coach, said that Ashwin has resumed practice, but a call on his participation will be taken before the game. Kaif, also a former Indian cricketer, stated that if Ashwin doesn’t make the cut, Amit Mishra is most likely to get a go. Mishra is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the history of the T20 tournament.

DC ready with Ravi Ashwin’s replacement

“Ashwin is going for practice today and we haven’t taken a call yet if he is going to be available or not for tomorrow’s game. We will see how the practice goes. We are monitoring him very closely,” Kaif was quoted as saying in a video conference.

“If he is not fit to play tomorrow, we have Amit Mishra who is a very experienced player. He has been doing well in IPL. So yes, that’s a plus point in this squad that we have got a replacement ready,” he added.

Earlier, the Tamil Nadu-born Ashwin, in a tweet, said that he is undergoing a fast recovery and is confident of returning soon.

He took to Twitter and wrote, “I was in pain as I left the field last night, but the pain has settled down and the scan reports are pretty encouraging too. Thanks for all your love and support. #IPL2020.”

Here’s the tweet:

I was in pain as I left the field last night, but the pain has settled down and the scan reports are pretty encouraging too. Thanks for all your love and support. 🙏 #IPL2020

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) September 21, 2020

Ashwin bowled only one over in the game against KL Rahul’s KXIP. In those six balls, he did his job, giving away two runs and dismissing Karun Nair and Nicholas Pooran. His efforts didn’t go in vain as the Capitals won the match, which went into the Super Over.

In 140 IPL matches, Ashwin has 127 wickets at an excellent economy rate of 6.78. He is also a handy lower-order batter, scoring 379 runs with a top score of 45.