R Ashwin played a key role for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday (21st May). Not only with his batting, but the off-spinner also displayed a great show with the bat as well to guide his team to victory.
After returning with the figures of 1/28 with the ball, Ashwin stood tall for his side with the bat when it seemed that RR would found difficult to close the game.
Batting at No.5, Ashwin played one of his best knocks in IPL and helped his side home seal the second place on the points table. He came to bat when RR found themselves tumbling at 76/3. The off-spinner held the one end while his side lost Yashasvi Jaiswal for 59 runs and Shimron Hetmyer for 6 runs at the other end.
Ashwin scored unbeaten 40 runs in just 23 balls with the help of 2 fours and 3 sixes to make sure that his side end the league stage on a winning note.
However, what stole the limelight was his celebration even before the match ended. With 6 runs needed off the last 5 balls, Ashwin smashed Matheesha Pathirana for a four and then he was quite animated and thumped his chest multiple times. After RR won the match, he yet again let out roars and fist pumps.
Here’s the video:
After that match, Ashwin revealed about his celebration and said that he brought out the David Warner inside him.
“I want to play my A-game for all franchises I play for. It's a mark of respect. Glad we're in the playoffs. (On celebrations) I brought the David Warner inside me,” R Ashwin said at the post-match presentation.
With the win over CSK, RR earned the second spot on the points table and will now play Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Qualifier 1 in Kolkata on 24th May.
