"I Am Ageing, Had An Abdomen Injury": R Ashwin On Listless IPL 2024 Campaign

Following his side's four-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the eliminator, Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said that he felt his body was not moving right in the first half of the season and he needed some time to get back to his bowling rhythm. Rajasthan Royals ended their four-match winless run in the Indian Premier League and bounced back just at the right moment to seal their place in the Qualifier 2 following a 4-wicket win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Eliminator on Wednesday.

Following the game, speaking at the post-match presentation, Ashwin said the team was not doing well in the past few games and had lost their opener Jos Buttler who went back home for England's series with Pakistan, but this win will give them confidence ahead of the qualifier two clash.

"In the first half, I felt my body was not moving too well for the first half of the season. I had an abdomen injury as well. I am ageing as well. To come into the tournament from Test cricket was difficult, I needed some time to get that bowling rhythm. But once you have committed to your franchise, you want to go through with the season," said the 37-year-old.

Ashwin said that the team hit the right lengths while bowling and Trent Boult got some swing and seam movement. He also said that there was not much dew in the second innings.

"I think there were some exceptional shots from our boys to get that chase. I think our greatest strength is the exuberance of youth and the experience we have to support that. Now that Hettie (Shimron Hetmyer) is back in, and Rovman got a few boundaries today as well. We've got Keshav sitting outside. We have the right momentum for this team going forward," he concluded.

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