Working on different variations, says Ashwath

Ashwath, who was returning from a long layoff due to an injury, said he was pleased with his comeback. “Like every other player, I was also under pressure. I feel it is good to be under pressure when you step inside (the ground). I was well prepared. Actually, I am coming back from an injury. I had not played a competitive match in the last five months. I trained hard to be a part of the TNPL, so I am happy with my performance,” said Ashwath.

Ashwath revealed he was working on developing new variations so as to not become predictable. “Over the years, I have been working hard on developing the slower ball. I have tried a lot of variations. I think it is crucial to time the slower balls correctly. If you bowl them too much, you will be predictable. So, I am working on that and I am trying to upgrade myself with variations,” added the 22-year-old.

Asked how happy he felt to mark his comeback with a five-wicket haul, Ashwath revealed such things can’t be planned and he looks to become more consistent in the future. 

“I have been lucky (tonight) but I have worked very hard for this. I don’t play with the aim of taking five wickets but when the five-for comes, I am very happy about it. Going forward, I want to be more consistent. For me performing consistently for the team is very important,” shared Ashwath. 

Meanwhile, after losing only its second match this season, Dindigul’s Anirudh Sitaram praised Kaalai’s batting in the Powerplay. “They batted really well and in the first six overs they were 81 without loss. Our bowlers did reasonably well but we conceded a little too many in the Powerplay,” rued Anirudh.