R Ashwin admits to have underestimated IPL and T20 cricket during initial seasons with CSK

Indian cricketer R Ashwin emerged into international spotlight after he debuted for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2009. Ashwin only got two games for CSK in IPL 2009 but was given more chances in 2010. He proved successful but was eventually dropped from team due to a few bad performances. Recently, off-spinner reflected on his earlier journey with CSK.

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R Ashwin refects on setbacks in IPL journey so far

Over course of years, R Ashwin became so important to CSK that his release from team almost came as a surprise ahead of IPL 2018. Ashwin recently sat down for an ESPNCricinfo podcast with former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar. During this podcast, R Ashwin revealed his initial struggles in MS Dhoni-led CSK team.

Ashwin reflected on a 2010 match against RCB where he was destroyed by Mark Boucher and Robin Uthappa. He reflected on how he did t have correct mindset for T20 cricket and felt that it was easier to bowl in format as compared to first-class cricket.

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After two bad games, R Ashwin was sacked from playing XI and had to vacate his hotel room to watch next CSK game from home. Ashwin reflected on how incident was humbling for him but also made him question support he had gotten from team. He added that he was upset with coach Stephen Fleming who he had looked up to a lot.

Ashwin explained how Fleming had t even talked to him about his performances or any improvement that he could make. "I was sitting at home watching CSK games and making promises that one day I will turn tide.", Ashwin reflected.

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R Ashwin made a strong comeback for MS Dhoni-led side in IPL 2011 and played all ir games in season and ended up with 20 scalps. Till this day, that season has been Ashwin's most successful in IPL. He has taken 125 wickets in 139 IPL games. He captained Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2018 and 2019. He was traded to Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2020 but could t debut for team as IPL was suspended due to India lockdown.

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