Ravichandran Ashwin promises something new for the fans in the Champions Trophy

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is back and raring to go after the two-month layoff during the tenth season of the Indian Premier League. The off-spinner says that he is ready with a bagful of new tricks that he will unleash during the course of the one-month long Champions Trophy.

The layoff was followed by a gruel some home season of 13 Test matches where Ashwin was a key person in the Indian squad. He was advised rest during the IPL, to be fully fit for the defence of the Champions Trophy.

“I might be able to throw something new in this tournament (Champions Trophy), hopefully. I am equipped enough to do so. The two warm-up games (vs New Zealand, vs Bangladesh) will give me an indication on how well I go in the tournament,” Ashwin said to Times of India on the sidelines of the CEAT Tyres annual awards function in Mumbai.

Variations on its way: 

The next statement by Ashwin would thrill the Indian fans, as the off-spinner revealed that he is ready to bring out the variations that he tested out during his time away from the Premier T20 Tournament.

“It depends on how well my variations will come to fore, so just hoping that these practice matches can be put to good use and I bring something in new to the table and give something new to the team,” a confident Ashwin said.

Challenge for bowlers:

Ashwin also that the change in the rule with only four fielders outside the box and the two new ball bowling pattern helps the bowlers to stay street-smart and keep thinking on how to outsmart the batsmen.

“There have been rule changes to what ICC has done to one day format, and there is no point in going with same set of skills time and again, unless the game change your skill or let the game take the demand out of you.”

“It’s been going through my head and I have been working on lot of stuff based on how the game is changing,” said the senior pro.

Ashwin said that the bowlers must be prepared for any surface that arises on the day of a cricket match and should be mentally prepared for even a flat deck.

“I feel you have to be prepaid for any challenge thrown at you and I generally expect placid wickets and that’s the way I prepare for limited overs format. As far pressure is concerned, it is about handling one game at a time, as you build up to every game, you start becoming a favourite,” he said

Ashwin, later went on to describe the home season as ‘Surreal’ and complimented the way IPL has proved to be beneficial for not only the Indian players but also for the budding talents in the foreign department, with the likes of Rashid Khan emerging post the tournament. It very well looks like the off-spinner to ready for a new challenge come this Champions Trophy, where he and Team India would look to defend their title.