NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif not too long ago shared an enchanting anecdote from his time on the Delhi Capitals, providing a glimpse into Ravichandran Ashwin’s sharp cricketing thoughts in the course of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) season in Dubai.
Talking in a video on his X (previously Twitter) deal with, Kaif started. “In 2020, Ashwin was in nice kind with the white ball. His new-ball bowling helped us get wickets within the energy play. Quick ahead to 2021 – the T20 World Cup was in November. There was additionally an IPL earlier than that, which was in Dubai.”
Throughout a web session, Ashwin unexpectedly paused his spell. Kaif, curious concerning the break, requested, “Ashwin, why aren’t you bowling?” to which Ashwin replied, “I gained’t bowl.”
Kaif continued, “Ashwin notices each little element within the sport. He identified that Steve Smith had a digital camera fastened to his helmet. Smith was utilizing the digital camera to report their bowling – Ashwin, Axar, and others. Ashwin instantly realised what was taking place. He mentioned, ‘This man is recording us. I gained’t bowl now.’”
Ashwin, realising the recordings could possibly be used to analyse their strategies forward of the upcoming T20 World Cup, stopped bowling and satisfied Axar Patel and Amit Mishra to do the identical.
“None of them bowled. Ashwin was sharp; he caught that the digital camera was there to report bowling strategies for evaluation,” Kaif mentioned.
Kaif, observing from the sidelines, admired Ashwin’s tactical acumen. “I couldn’t consider the presence of thoughts Ashwin had. That day, he confirmed why he’s thought of considered one of cricket’s sharpest minds.”
Ashwin’s not too long ago introduced retirement from worldwide cricket has introduced reflections on his legacy.
With 537 wickets in 106 matches, together with 115 dismissals towards Australia, his potential to outwit opponents is what really set him aside. Purchased for Rs 9.75 crore, the off-spinner will as soon as once more reunite with MS Dhoni at Chennai Tremendous Kings within the IPL 2025 season.
