IPL 2022 | Was communicated about batting in the top order by Rajasthan Royals management: R Ashwin

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 has been exceptional for Ravichandran Ashwin. Rajasthan Royals (RR) have fully utilized the right-hander's expertise with the bat and used it as a surprise tactic to catch opponents off-guard. Ashwin, who has five Test hundreds, registered his first-ever IPL fifty last evening (11th May) in the tie against Delhi Capitals (DC).

At the post-match conference, Ashwin explained how the franchise had notified him about regularly batting up the order this season.

Ashwin said,"No license has been given. However, starting from the season, it was communicated to me properly that I would be used as a batter up the order. We had a few practice games where I opened also. Have worked a lot on my batting, so it's nice to see whatever has been worked on translates into the field."

He also discussed how working before the start of the tournament helped take his batsmanship to another level.

The second-highest wicket-taker for India in red-ball cricket elaborated, "I was in good batting rhythm before the start of the season. Worked a little bit on my batting, like trying to transfer my body weight forward, and made a little switch on my technique. Pretty good feel about the knock, but it didn't come at a winning cause."

Ashwin has accumulated 133 runs from 12 games, with a healthy strike rate of 140. The off-spinner has been economical with the ball, giving away runs at just 7.25 per over.

The Sanju Samson-led franchise are third in the points table with 14 points and will need to win their remaining games if they have a chance in the playoffs.

"Back end of the tournament is always pressure. Hopefully, we can turn it on and string a couple of wins together," Ashwin concluded.