Ravichandran Ashwin is still finding new ways to keep batters guessing with his new bowling action. During the inaugural European T20 Premier League, the Dublin Guardians captain has been seen using a slightly
modified bowling action, a change that has caught the attention of fans and opposition batters. The change in action has been particularly visible in the Guardians’ recent matches at Sportpark Westvliet. Ashwin has shortened his run-up and appears to be using a more side-on gathering motion as he gets into his delivery stride. The change gives him a different release point and seems to help him get sharper grip and variation in trajectory from the pitches. It is a small technical adjustment from a bowler who has built much of his career around experimenting with his action.
ETPL’s official social media channels, along with Star Sports India, also picked up on the bowling action and shared the video with the caption, “Ashwin always has something new up his sleeve.” The video shows the veteran spinner in his Dublin Guardians jersey, going about his bowling with the same intensity that has been a feature of his career. Against the Amsterdam Flames he bowled a good spell of 1 for 21 from his four overs and this video of his new action has gone viral. Since retiring from international cricket and the IPL, he has taken on the dual responsibility of captain and mentor for Dublin.
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Ravichandran Ashwin’s Dublin Guardians Yet to Win After Five Matches in European T20 Premier League
The Dublin Guardians are still waiting for their first win in the inaugural European T20 Premier League. Led by Ravichandran Ashwin and owned by Rahul Dravid, the Guardians have now lost all five of their matches and sit at the bottom of the table with zero wins and a net run rate of -1.645. The Netherlands leg of the tournament has not gone according to plan for the side and even in their recent match they lost from a winning position.
Dublin began the tournament with a 52-run defeat against Belfast Wolves before losing by 33 runs to Glasgow Cosmic. Things did not improve against Edinburgh Castle Rockers, who bowled them out for 109 before winning the game by four wickets. Their fourth match brought another frustrating result as Rotterdam Dockers chased down 179 with seven wickets still in hand and eight balls remaining.
They suffered another close defeat against Amsterdam Flames in their previous match at Sportpark Westvliet. The Guardians opted to field after winning the toss and did a decent job of keeping the Flames to 169 for 7. The target of 170 was certainly within Dublin’s reach, particularly with Vince once again showing his good form. He made 73 from 46 balls and kept the chase alive for much of the innings. But the Guardians lost wickets at crucial moments and ended their innings on 160 for 8 as they were nine runs short of what would have been their first victory of the season. The tournament will now move towards Ireland for the remaining fixtures, giving Dublin another opportunity to turn things around.
