'Is there anything in cricket you can't do?' - Mohammad Kaif stunned after Ashwin's performance against CSK

Rajasthan Royals and India’s veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has garnered praises from former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif after his heroics against the Chennai Super Kings in the 68th match of the IPL 2022. Ashwin’s all-around performance helped RR not just qualify for the playoffs, but also take the second spot in the points table, thereby handing them an extra life in the playoff stage.

While Ravi Ashwin has had a consistent season with the ball, taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.14, it is his batting that has had a huge influence on the Rajasthan Royals, who have been a batter short all season in the lower order. This season, he’s been pushed up the order on a regular basis, not just to knock out the new ball’s swing, but also to bat like a legitimate striker.

In the game against CSK, Ashwin was once again promoted to number five and he played a brilliant knock of 40* off just 23 balls to take his team over the line in the final over. He was also pumped up after helping the side win and take them into the top two. “Dear Ashwin, is there anything in cricket you can’t do? Master spinner, impact batsman, time to start bowling at 150 kph. You are a champion all-rounder. @ashwinravi99,” Kaif tweeted.

Dear Ashwin, is there anything in cricket you can't do? Master spinner, impact batsman, time to start bowling at 150 kph. You are a champion all-rounder. @ashwinravi99

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) May 21, 2022

Ashwin’s efforts helped RR jump to the No. 2 place in the points table

As CSK won the toss and elected to bat first, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad fell quickly at the start of the play. But Moeen Ali and Devon Conway led the side to a brilliant powerplay with the former doing most of the fireworks with the bat. But Conway’s substance in the partnership helped Moeen to hit those big shots. Ashwin broke the partnership and gave his side the much-needed breakthrough by scalping Conway.

Chasing the target of 151, RR’s stylish opener Jos Buttler had to walk off early. But Yashasvi Jaiswal steadied the ship and sailed his team past the CSK lineup. It was during the middle overs when Ashwin walked out to bat and went on to smash some powerful boundaries that included three big sixes and a couple of fours. His unbeaten 40*(23) helped the Royals win the game by five wickets as Ashwin earned the Player of the Match award.

Rajasthan Royals will now face the Gujarat Titans in the first qualifier of the playoffs stage. A victory would ensure them a place in the season finale, whereas a defeat would give them an opportunity at the second eliminator to redeem themselves and aim for the finale.