Ravichandran Ashwin’s calm nature comes from playing under MS Dhoni, says Aaron Finch
Kings XI Punjab have been in stunning form under the leadership of Ravichandran Ashwin, who Australian batsman Aaron Finch claims is cool and calm just like CSK skipper MS Dhoni. Finch lavished praise on the likes of opening duo Chris Gayle and KL Rahul who have been in stunning form this year.
When Preity Zinta and Virender Sehwag began their bidding war with the rest of the seven IPL franchises, not many would have expected them to put together a team as strong as the one they managed to assemble. Under the guidance of experienced Aussie Brad Hodge, the likes of KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and R Ashwin have flourished on the pitch as they put up some impressive displays over the last one month.
Ashwin in particular, who was a shock addition after his former team Chennai Super Kings opted to let him go, has been a shining light for the entire KXIP squad and KXIP player Aaron Finch added that Ashwin gets his cool and calm composure from former teammate MS Dhoni.
“I think Ashwin has been outstanding. While he hasn’t had a lot of experience of leading the side in the past, he has been a successful cricketer and has brought that to the table as a leader. He brings the group together and speaks to individuals before the game. Along with chief coach Brad Hodge, Ashwin has left no stone unturned when it comes to preparations for a game. He is very calm and that comes with playing under MS Dhoni. MSD is a cool guy and Ashwin has also been calm and made some great decisions,” Finch told CricketNext.
Another positive for the Punjab-based franchise was the performance of opening pair KL Rahul and Chris Gayle who have been pillars of strength at the top of the batting line-up. Rahul was the hero in the last night’s win against Rajasthan Royals and Finch did not hesitate in praising the duo for their performances with the bat.
“I think they are playing beautifully at the top and that is a huge bonus as Gayle is one of the best T20 players and Rahul has also played like one of the best. Gayle is playing injury-free and enjoying the game and that is important. They are playing beautifully and I would love the opportunity to bat at the top, but I think these guys are doing really well. Been a disappointing fact that I have not contributed, but we have been improving as a unit and the team has still done well and that is a great sign. Couple of us haven’t been scoring heavily,
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