Want to take things as it come in England, says R Ashwin after turning up for club team in Chennai
India Today
R Ashwin turned up for his club team in the TNCA first division league days after featuring in the IPL 2022 final for Rajasthan Royals. The off-spinner will leave for England for the rescheduled one-off Test, starting July 1.
India spinner R Ashwin said his move to play club cricket in the TNCA First Division ahead of England tour was mainly to get used to red-ball cricket after having played white-ball cricket for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.
Ashwin turned up for his club team, MRC A in the knock out stages of the TNCA First Division tournament in Chennai, days after finishing his duties with Rajasthan in IPL 2022. Ashwin played a key role in helping MRC A win the Raja of Palayampatti Sheid, helping his side win the semi-final and the final earlier this week.
Ashwin was seen doing vlogs about his team and his return to his college on the outskirts of Chennai where the matches were played.
"The purpose of playing these games (First Division) is to shift from 20 overs to this (red-ball) format...All these things are workload management. As you grow older, you play more and play smarter," Ashwin said after inspiring MRC A to their maiden TNCA first division title.
"I am trying to do that. I am enjoying my game. I just want to go there (England) and take it as it comes. I feel I can contribute with the bat and bowl well. I want to keep ticking on my fitness and keep working."
Meanwhile, Ashwin played down the prospect of going past legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble on the all-time Indian leading wicket-taker in Tests, saying he is not looking too far ahead and enjoy each and every outing for India at the highest level.
