Ravichandran Ashwin reveals the finest '3-ball set' of his career

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian off-spinner was involved in a live Instagram session with Delhi Capitals on Wednesday. He went through a question and answer round-up conducted by the anchor as well.

The 33-year-old has relevant experience of playing in the cash-rich league. He has played for a couple of franchises in the past like Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings. He was all set to play for Delhi Capitals this season. But BCCI suspended the tournament amid COVID-19 outbreak. Interestingly, he was also the part of CSK in their back to back season victories in 2010 and 2011.

Ravichandran Ashwin recalls a fond memory from 2011 IPL final

During the interaction, he recalled the spell he bowled against Royal Challengers Bangalore back in 2011 final. Ashwin also revealed that the three-balls set he bowled to Gayle in that match was the finest he has ever bowled.

While talking about that match, he compared his brilliant set of balls to one he bowled against Jesse Ryder, who smacked him for a six. As per him, the majority of the batsmen think that bowlers react to such a situation in the match but Ashwin is not one of them.

“I remember a similar ball to Jesse Ryder in the same IPL where Jesse stepped out and hit me for a six. The common mistake a lot of batsmen make is that they try and think that a lot of bowlers don’t think and they react to deliveries but I don’t do that,” Ashwin said.

The off-spinner recited that he acquired the same attacking approach. According to him, he went with his usual instinct in 2011 final against Gayle and got success in taking his wicket. In that game, the West Indies opener failed to open his account and was sent back to pavilion on the fourth delivery of the innings.

“If you hit me for a six, I try and stay as attacking as possible, and I knocked over Jesse Ryder with an arm ball the very next ball. Likewise, I imagined something for Chris and it worked. I couldn’t believe it myself. One of the finest three-ball sets that I have bowled in my career,” Ashwin added.

In 2011 final, Ashwin bowled an amazing spell against RCB and recorded brilliant bowling figures of 3 for 16. He played a vital role in CSK’s thumping victory against the then Daniel Vettori’s led side. It also helped Chennai Super Kings in getting their hands on their second IPL trophy.