NEW DELHI: Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Lyca Kovai Kings captain Shahrukh Khan shared insights into their evolving skillsets ahead of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) final on Sunday.
Ashwin, representing Dindigul Dragons, emphasized his conscious effort to expand his batting repertoire, while Shahrukh credited his stint with the Gujarat Titans for enhancing his prowess against spin bowling.
Ashwin, renowned for his spin wizardry, has emerged as a batting force for Dindigul Dragons, finishing as their third-highest run-scorer. His innovative use of reverse sweeps, particularly against left-arm spinners, has garnered attention. The veteran attributes this evolution to a conscious decision to broaden his batting horizons during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL).
“Everything is a work in progress, right? It’s all about repetitions, and understanding angles and triggers. Obviously, in the last IPL, I felt like I needed to widen my game and horizons square of the wicket because I know I can hit the ball down the ground, and I can use my feet,” Ashwin stated, as quoted by PTI, during the pre-final press conference.
“Do I want to explore other options is something I had to ask myself. So, if I can ask that question and find an answer, it gives me a new avenue to explore and keep myself interested in the game,” he added, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in his cricketing journey.
Ashwin’s commitment to refining his batting technique is evident in his focus on “understanding angles and triggers.” He believes repetition and a deep understanding of these elements are crucial for consistent execution.
Meanwhile, Lyca Kovai Kings captain Shahrukh Khan highlighted the positive impact of his time with the IPL champions, Gujarat Titans, on his batting. Shahrukh, primarily known for his power-hitting, acknowledged his vulnerability against spin bowling. He revealed that the Gujarat Titans coaching staff specifically targeted this area during his time with the franchise.
“The Gujarat Titans wanted me to bat up the order, which meant facing more spin bowling,” Shahrukh explained. Recognizing this challenge, the team facilitated extensive training sessions focused on improving his technique and confidence against spinners. “Their role was to help me improve my spin game, and it has definitely helped,” Shahrukh affirmed.
The results of this focused training are evident in Shahrukh’s impressive TNPL performance. He sits as the second-highest run-scorer for his team, boasting an impressive strike rate of 191.37. Shahrukh credits his improved front-foot play and ability to score off both front and back foot to the dedicated work he put in during his IPL stint.
The TNPL final, scheduled for Sunday evening at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, promises a captivating clash. Ashwin’s quest for batting mastery and Shahrukh’s newfound confidence against spin add intriguing subplots to the battle for the TNPL title.
Ashwin, representing Dindigul Dragons, emphasized his conscious effort to expand his batting repertoire, while Shahrukh credited his stint with the Gujarat Titans for enhancing his prowess against spin bowling.
Ashwin, renowned for his spin wizardry, has emerged as a batting force for Dindigul Dragons, finishing as their third-highest run-scorer. His innovative use of reverse sweeps, particularly against left-arm spinners, has garnered attention. The veteran attributes this evolution to a conscious decision to broaden his batting horizons during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL).
“Everything is a work in progress, right? It’s all about repetitions, and understanding angles and triggers. Obviously, in the last IPL, I felt like I needed to widen my game and horizons square of the wicket because I know I can hit the ball down the ground, and I can use my feet,” Ashwin stated, as quoted by PTI, during the pre-final press conference.
“Do I want to explore other options is something I had to ask myself. So, if I can ask that question and find an answer, it gives me a new avenue to explore and keep myself interested in the game,” he added, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in his cricketing journey.
Ashwin’s commitment to refining his batting technique is evident in his focus on “understanding angles and triggers.” He believes repetition and a deep understanding of these elements are crucial for consistent execution.
Meanwhile, Lyca Kovai Kings captain Shahrukh Khan highlighted the positive impact of his time with the IPL champions, Gujarat Titans, on his batting. Shahrukh, primarily known for his power-hitting, acknowledged his vulnerability against spin bowling. He revealed that the Gujarat Titans coaching staff specifically targeted this area during his time with the franchise.
“The Gujarat Titans wanted me to bat up the order, which meant facing more spin bowling,” Shahrukh explained. Recognizing this challenge, the team facilitated extensive training sessions focused on improving his technique and confidence against spinners. “Their role was to help me improve my spin game, and it has definitely helped,” Shahrukh affirmed.
The results of this focused training are evident in Shahrukh’s impressive TNPL performance. He sits as the second-highest run-scorer for his team, boasting an impressive strike rate of 191.37. Shahrukh credits his improved front-foot play and ability to score off both front and back foot to the dedicated work he put in during his IPL stint.
The TNPL final, scheduled for Sunday evening at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, promises a captivating clash. Ashwin’s quest for batting mastery and Shahrukh’s newfound confidence against spin add intriguing subplots to the battle for the TNPL title.
