WATCH: R Ashwin smashes two massive SIXES off Anrich Nortje in RR vs DC clash

RR surprised everyone when they sent in Ashwin at No.5
 By Chandra Moulee Das Updated: Mar 28, 2024, 22:12 IST
Ravichandran Ashwin?width=963&height=541&resizemode=4

During the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC), Ravichandran Ashwin gave an exemplary display of his batting prowess by hitting two maximums off Proteas pacer Anrich Nortje. 

RR got off to a shaky start, having already faced a flurry of early dismissals with Yashasvi Jaiswal (5), Jos Buttler (11), and skipper Sanju Samson (15) falling victim to DC's formidable bowling attack.

Anticipation was rife among fans, who were expecting either Shimron Hetmyer or Dhruv Jurel to join Riyan Parag on the field. However, Rajasthan Royals (RR) surprised everyone by sending in the versatile all-rounder R Ashwin at the No. 5 position.

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WATCH: Ashwin slam Nortje for two maximums

Initially facing criticism on social media platforms for the decision, Ashwin promptly silenced his critics by first launching a six off Kuldeep Yadav and then following it up with two more maximums against Anrich Nortje in the subsequent over at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

As plaudits started pouring in for Ashwin's impressive performance, his innings was eventually halted by Axar Patel after scoring 29 runs off 19 balls. Nevertheless, Ashwin's contribution proved vital for RR, as his partnership with Parag helped the team make amends for their early setbacks, which culminated in a 50-plus run partnership.

At the time of writing this,18 overs have been played and Rajasthan Royals had amassed 145 runs while losing 5 wickets. Riyan Parag has achieved a half-century and was accompanied by Shimron Hetmyer (1*) at the crease. Among the Delhi Capitals (DC) bowlers, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Axar Patel, Anrich Nortje, and Kuldeep Yadav each secured a wicket.

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