R Ashwin didn’t feature in Rajasthan Royals’ last league match of IPL 2023 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dharamsala on Friday (May 19).

Explaining the reason behind pulling out of the game, the veteran off-spinner revealed that he probably picked up the back spasm after sleeping on a “soft bed” in the Dharamsala hotel.

“I always sleep on floor. But in Dharamsala (I slept) on the soft beds. Suddenly back spasm came and my back got stiff. I came home. Back is fine,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

He also admitted that his aging body and IPL travel played a part. “In IPL we keep travelling to different places. I am aging also…”

Ashwin mentioned that he would have been fit for the Eliminator had Rajasthan Royals qualified.

On a different note, Ashwin revealed what Lasith Malinga told RR’s fast bowlers when they were discussing Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer's injuries.

“He (Malinga) said it’s difficult to bowl yorkers after back injury,” he stated.

Ashwin also hoped that Dhoni will continue to play IPL in the future. “He goes hit 2 sixes in 3 balls that he faces. Why can’t he think that he can do this role in the future also?”

Ashwin played 13 games in the IPL 2023 season for Rajasthan Royals, claiming 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.51.

(The Indian Express Inputs)