New Zealand is set to give Adithya Ashok a chance as the promising spinner is playing the 1st ODI against India on Sunday in Vadodara.
The New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell confirmed Ashok's inclusion as the Kiwis bat after India won the toss and decided to bowl first.
Who is Adithya Ashok?
Adithya Ashok is a promising New Zealand cricketer of Indian origin, known as a leg-spin bowling all-rounder who has risen through domestic ranks to represent the Black Caps internationally.
Born on September 5, 2002, in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, he moved to New Zealand with his family at a young age, where he developed his skills in Auckland's cricket scene. Growing up in a sports-loving family, Ashok showed early talent, representing New Zealand at the 2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket
World Cup, which marked his entry into international pathways.
Ashok's parents first moved to Singapore and then to New Zealand, where they found jobs at a hospital in Auckland. The 23-year-old has been living in New Zealand since the age of 4.
Domestic Career
Ashok debuted in Twenty20 for Auckland Aces during the 2021-22 Super Smash on December 17, 2021, followed by List A in the Ford Trophy on January 1, 2022. His first-class breakthrough came in the 2022-23 Plunket Shield, taking 5-106 against Central Districts. He has played for New Zealand U19, New Zealand XI, Auckland, and New Zealand A, honing his right-handed batting and legbreak-googly bowling.
International Breakthrough
In March 2023, Ashok earned his first New Zealand A call-up against Australia. He debuted in T20Is for New Zealand against UAE on August 20, 2023, in Dubai. His ODI debut followed on December 20, 2023, versus Bangladesh in Nelson during the second match of the series. He has so far played 2 ODIs and 1 T20I match, picking up 2 international wickets in the process.
A versatile all-rounder, Ashok bats right-handed and bowls legbreak with effective googlies, enjoying travel and workouts off the field.
