The Dindigul Dragons have made history by clinching their maiden Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) title in the 2024 season, and much of the credit goes to their captain, Ravichandran Ashwin. Baba Indrajith, a key player for the Dragons, has praised Ashwin’s exceptional leadership and his significant role in guiding the team to victory.
Baba Indrajith finished the tournament as the third-leading run-scorer, amassing 286 runs at an average of 40.85 and a strike rate of 133.02 over ten matches. His consistent performance was crucial for the team’s success, but he was not alone in his efforts. Ashwin also made a notable contribution, finishing fifth on the run-scoring charts with 252 runs at an average of 36 and a striking strike rate of almost 152.
In an interview with Cricket.com, Indrajith lauded Ashwin’s cricketing acumen and leadership skills. “Of course, everyone will see him as a captain; he has a very good cricketing brain. He’s always thinking of getting one up over the batter or the bowler. He has all the leadership qualities,” Indrajith stated. He also expressed his aspiration to captain a title-winning team in the IPL, echoing Ashwin’s ambition to win an IPL trophy as a captain.
The Dindigul Dragons’ journey to the title was not without its challenges. After finishing fourth in the points table, the team needed to win three consecutive playoff matches to secure the championship. Ashwin’s performance was pivotal, as he scored a hat trick of half-centuries during the playoffs, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Off-Field Contributions
Indrajith highlighted Ashwin’s involvement with the entire squad, stating, “His involvement was not just in his skills but other players’ skills as well, not just on-field but off-field as well.” Over the course of the season, Ashwin was actively engaged in enhancing the fitness and skills of every team member, demonstrating a commitment that even surpassed that of a head coach.
As the Dindigul Dragons celebrate their historic victory, Ashwin is set to return to international cricket when India faces Bangladesh in a two-Test series starting September 19. His leadership in the TNPL has not only earned him accolades but has also positioned him as a potential candidate for future IPL captaincy roles, as he seeks to replicate his success on a larger stage.
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