Ace India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has stated that he advised a few Indian Premier League teams to select Australian batter Tim David before the IPL 2025 mega auction, but most of them declined the suggestion,
citing a decline in the big-hitter’s game.
Released by the Mumbai Indians ahead of the auction, David drew little interest when his name came up, permitting Royal Challengers Bengaluru to snap him up for just Rs 3 crore.
David made his mark in Bengaluru’s star-studded batting lineup, producing multiple match-winning innings in the finisher’s role. He was the sixth-highest run-scorer for the franchise, scoring 187 runs in nine matches at a stunning average of 62.33.
“I shouldn’t say this, but I told a couple of decision makers, asked them to pick Tim David. They were like, ‘No, his game has fallen apart. ‘ I’ll repeat, the future of T20s, six feet-plus players, long levers, strong players, are going to rule the roost”, Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“If there is no change in the wide line, they are going to kill it. In the next auctions, Cam Green is going to go for a bomb. People have their eyes on Mitch Owen, but I would say wait a bit and see,” Ashwin said.
“Owen is still new to the scene. In a tournament like the IPL, to come directly and create an impact is a challenge, but nevertheless, I will wait a bit on it. Cam Green and Tim David have been in great form,” Ashwin added.
The latter has carried his sublime form into the year with the Aussie side as well. David has piled up 265 runs in just five games, boasting a brilliant strike rate of 212.
“A player RCB picked up at base price (INR 3 crore) has taken his game to the next level. It’s good to see Australia sending him up the order. A real steal for RCB,” Ashwin said.
