Will Ravichandran Ashwin Open in the IPL?
Ravichandran Ashwin is renowned for his off-spin prowess in Test cricket, but his contributions to T20 Internationals have been significant as well. With 65 T20Is to his name, Ashwin has taken 72 wickets at an economy rate of 6.91. Known for his tactical acumen and variations, he has been a reliable option for India in the shortest format. His batting in T20Is has been modest, with 184 runs at an average of 26.29 and a strike rate of 115.0. Though not primarily known for his batting, he has played useful cameos when required.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL journey began with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2009, where his breakthrough season came in 2010. His performance, particularly with the carrom ball, made him a standout player. Over his IPL career, Ashwin has played 211 matches, taking 180 wickets at an economy rate of 7.12. His best bowling figures in a match are 4/34. Despite being more effective in the early years, his roles have varied from being a key spinner for CSK to leading Kings XI Punjab as captain in 2018. His recent stints with Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals have seen him continue to be a steady performer, though with fluctuating success.
Ravichandran Ashwin IPL and T20I Stats
Batting Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 65 | 19 | 184 | 31 | 26.29 | 160 | 115.00 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 4 |
| IPL | 211 | 94 | 800 | 50 | 13.33 | 675 | 118.52 | 0 | 1 | 61 | 28 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Best Bowling Inning | Average | Economy Rate | Strike Rate | 5-Wicket Hauls | 10-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 65 | 65 | 1452 | 1672 | 72 | 4/8 | 23.22 | 6.91 | 20.17 | 0 | 0 |
| IPL | 211 | 208 | 4524 | 5369 | 180 | 4/34 | 29.83 | 7.12 | 25.13 | 0 | 0 |
Ravichandran Ashwin’s TNPL Performances
Ravichandran Ashwin’s TNPL 2024 performance highlights a significant improvement over his 2023 season, particularly in his batting. His striking ability and consistency with the bat have developed, evident from his impressive average of 36.00 and a strike rate of 151.80 in the 2024 season. In contrast, his batting was minimal in 2023, reflecting a lack of opportunities or form.
Batting Potential
Ravichandran Ashwin’s recent TNPL stats suggest that he can contribute significantly as a top-order batsman, especially in the powerplay overs. His ability to score at a rapid pace, evidenced by his strike rate and multiple fifties, indicates he can be an asset in powerplay overs. His highest score of 69* reflects his potential to anchor innings or accelerate when needed.
TNPL 2023 Batting Stats
| Mats | Inns | Not Outs | Runs | HS | Avg | Balls Faced | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 3.00 | 16 | 37.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
TNPL 2024 Batting Stats
| Mats | Inns | Not Outs | Runs | HS | Average | Balls Faced | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 2 | 252 | 69* | 36.00 | 166 | 151.80 | 0 | 3 | 21 | 14 |
Bowling Balance
Although his bowling performance in TNPL 2024 is not as dominant as his batting, with 9 wickets at an economy rate of 6.92, it still provides a reliable option for his team. His experience and the ability to vary his deliveries make him a useful bowler in the middle overs, balancing his role as an all-rounder.
TNPL 2023 Bowling Stats
| Mats | Inns | Overs | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Eco | SR | 4-Wkt | 5-Wkt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 16.0 | 114 | 4 | 26/2 | 28.50 | 7.12 | 24.00 | 0 | 0 |
TNPL 2024 Bowling Stats
| Mats | Inns | Overs | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Eco | SR | 4-Wkt | 5-Wkt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 35.5 | 248 | 9 | 18/3 | 27.55 | 6.92 | 23.88 | 0 | 0 |
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Potential as an Opening Batsman in IPL 2025
If Ashwin is allowed to open in IPL 2025, his recent form suggests he could be effective in setting a strong foundation. Opening the batting would allow him to exploit fielding restrictions and provide a solid start, leveraging his improved batting skills. His all-rounder abilities would be further showcased by integrating his bowling into the middle or death overs, allowing him to influence both innings with bat and ball.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s expanded role as an opening batsman in the IPL could transform him into a key player, especially if he maintains his TNPL form and adapts it to the high-pressure environment of the IPL. His ability to handle various game situations, combined with his experience, could make him a valuable asset for any IPL franchise.
