[IPL]- Suresh Raina praise ex-CSK star Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance in the IPL
Legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Suresh Raina hailed former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for his achievements and contributions to the Indian Premier League (IPL) side led by MS Dhoni. Considered a critical cog for Virat Kohli-led India team in the game’s longest and oldest format on the international circuit, Ashwin used to spearhead Dhoni’s CSK’s bowling department before being drafted to Rising Pune Supergiants.
The off-spinner was later signed by Kings XI Punjab, where the 31-year-old had spent two seasons ahead of the 13th season before teaming up with Delhi Capitals (DC). Ashwin has managed to boost its stocks over the years, and the spin wizard is also known for keeping things airtight in the cash-rich league for free-scoring batsmen. Raina, who won two IPL titles back with CSK alongside Ashwin, praised his long-time colleague from Team India.
Raina lauded Ashwin and revealed that CSK skipper Dhoni still believed in the wicket-taking attribute of the spinner in a live section on Instagram during the coronavirus lockdown. Highlighting the same Raina told Ashwin that although completing his spell in the IPL, he has remained economical.
“If you see your average bowling powerplay, it’s always been below six, and you always gave us breakthroughs that are why MS believed in you,” Raina told Ashwin.
In 2010, 2011, and 2018 the Yellow-brigade won the IPL award on three occasions. Chennai’s all three-time IPL title performance has come under Dhoni’s leadership. The CSK batsman also confirmed how he used to brace his teammates when facing Ashwin, who is notorious for frustrating batsmen with carrom balls from around the world.
“When you were playing for Pune and Punjab, I told my team to be careful against you because you had nice carrom balls and they also used to trouble the batsmen,” Raina said during the Instagram Live session.
