IPL 2022: 'Feels like a million dollars' - Ashwin after taking Rajasthan Royals to playoffs

Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a five-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday with superb all-round performance, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was elated to get the chance to bat and make a 'double' contribution in the team's victory. Ashwin claimed 1/28 with the ball as he helped RR claw their way back into the game after CSK had blasted 75/1 in powerplay, thanks mainly to Moeen Ali, who smashed a 19-ball half-century. Ashwin then came back to contribute with the bat as well, scoring crucial unbeaten 40 runs off 23 balls as Rajasthan successfully chased 151 to secure a place in the playoffs.

Read AlsoIPL 2022, RR vs CSK: Ashwin's all-round show seals top-two finish for Rajasthan Royals

Chasing 151, Royals began in a chancy fashion and lost Jos Buttler early, but opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (59 off 43 balls) played the perfect anchor before Ashwin struck a fluent, unbeaten 40 off 23 balls to take the team home. Again, it was collective potential and zeal that proved too strong for CSK.

"Feels like a million dollars. It was a special day for us. Finishing with a win and getting two bites of the cherry was important," said Ashwin after being adjudged 'Player of the Match' for his all-round performance. The seasoned off-spinner said he had been promised that he would be promoted up the order in batting and get a chance to play in the powerplay if he worked on his batting. "The communication (from the team management) was clear before the season on what I needed to work on. The management had ensured my role was well defined; I opened in practice games. I was told I'll play in the powerplay but not at the death (laughs)," he said.

Read AlsoIPL 2022: Ashwin has done a great job for