Watch: Ravichandran Ashwin scores a quickfire 45 off 20 balls in TNPL 2024

In a thrilling encounter of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Ravichandran Ashwin, primarily known for his spin bowling, showcased his batting prowess for Dindigul Dragons against Chepauk Super Gillies. Ashwin’s explosive innings saw him smashing a rapid 45 off just 25 deliveries, an innings peppered with four sixes and three boundaries. This blistering knock comes at a time when Ashwin is preparing for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in September, indicating his intent to contribute significantly with the bat.

The batting conditions seemed tough, but that did not deter Ashwin. While his teammates found runs hard to come by, Ashwin took the attack to the opposition, providing Dindigul Dragons with a much-needed impetus. However, despite Ashwin’s remarkable effort, Dindigul could only manage 64/6 in their allotted seven overs. His performance is reminiscent of West Indies’ all-rounder Sunil Narine, who has similarly taken on dual roles for his teams in various T20 leagues around the world.

Chepauk Super Gillies, undaunted by the target, chased it down with relative ease. The batting duo of Narayan Jagadeesan and Baba Aparajith took center stage, hammering 32 off 14 balls and 31 off 14 balls, respectively. They steered their team to victory in just 4.5 overs, underscoring the strength of their batting lineup.

[Watch] Ravichandran Ashwin scores a quickfire 45 off 20 balls in TNPL 2024

The result of the match notwithstanding, Ashwin’s endeavor to polish his batting skills is evident. His performance in TNPL is a strong message to the selectors and fans that he is developing into a genuine all-rounder. As India gears up for the Test series against Bangladesh, Ashwin’s form with the bat can provide the team with a greater balance and options going forward.

While Dindigul Dragons fell short in this encounter, Ashwin’s knock has been a highlight, proving that he is not just a specialist bowler but also a batsman capable of changing the course of the game. The TNPL continues to be a platform for seasoned players like Ashwin to experiment and for emerging talents to showcase their skills, thereby enriching the cricketing talent pool in India.