Delhi Capitals (DC) off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin may have not got Rajasthan Royals (RR) batsman Jos Buttler out the way many people were anticipating him to, expecting a repeat of the last year's 'Mankading' incident, but he was happy to have got the prized scalp once again in his team's victory this Friday (October 9) in Sharjah.
Ashwin (2/25) dismissed the dangerous Buttler (13) out caught in the powerplay as RR were later dismissed for just 138 in response to DC's 184/8. The premier offie later got one more wicket and was awarded 'Player-of-the-Match' for substantial contribution in the 46-run win.
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Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Ashwin was pleased with his overall performance on the night.
"One of the important things in this bowling attack is that most bowlers can bowl at any moment. It is sort of a role where you can put your hand up and be brave about it. Credit goes to the backroom staff," he was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
"I am in a very good space mentally and physically and it really shows. Really enjoying myself in both those spaces. I just need to take it out to practice once the planning is done and then go out and express myself."
"I did use the carrom ball in the powerplay once or twice. It is just about how much you want to use it in the powerplay when you're ahead of the game."
"I got a brilliant catch and getting that Jos (Buttler) wicket was important. But the ball was soaking wet after the powerplay and the sweat didn't help either," he added.
Ashwin is continuing his form from where he left in the first game of DC's campaign. He hurt his shoulder and later skipped a few games for recovery. The off-spinner says he is "psychologically" aware of ensuring he doesn't risk an injury again like that.
"In a lot of positions my body is taking over psychologically," he said. "I just don't want to land awkwardly and put weight on it. But it is important that I look after myself and not stretch it."
DC, now on top of the IPL points table with five wins and just one defeat so far, next play defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (October 11).
