Former India spinner R Ashwin is ready to take up a captain-coach role in the new European T20 Premier League, naming it a “crossover into what I’d like to do next” as well.
Speaking after the first ETPL player draft, Ashwin, who will lead the Rahul Dravid-owned Dublin Guardians, said in a media interaction, “I think I’m at that stage of my career where I’d like to contribute more than just being a player. And for whatever it is worth, even if it’s a state-run league, I’ve been a coach-cum-captain for the last couple of years that I’ve played my cricket there. So, it was just a straight connection. And Rahul (Dravid) had seen me do the job and he understands what I do back home for club cricket. So, I think he was pretty confident that I can do it. It’s just a crossover into what I’d like to do next.”
In 2024, playing a similar dual role, he led Dindigul Dragons to their maiden Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) title. He has been looking for a similar role in overseas leagues ever since he retired from the IPL as well. However, Ashwin also eyes it as a comeback after knee surgery, which ruled him out of a maiden BBL appearance as well.
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“I think leadership doesn’t have to necessarily come with the title. I’ve done that over the last 4-5 years in whichever team I’ve been a part of. Even in the IPL and after that, state leagues and my club teams. Which is something I really enjoy doing. So, if that means I have to make even a decision about myself, I wouldn’t be thinking twice to make that on myself. So, I am really in a good space with respect to my cricketing career. If that be as a player, mentor or whatever that is. I am really finding myself in a good mental space. So, I will make the right decision for the team,” he again shared.
R Ashwin also joins forces with Rahul Dravid. However, he made it clear that Dravid won’t be part of the cricketing side of operations, leaving it entirely to Ashwin to handle.
“I think freedom is very important for people to be on the side (of running) a cricket team on the field. And I don’t think we’ve had too many issues at all so far. Rahul has been very clear that he doesn’t want to involve himself as much in cricketing decisions, which is why I’m at the centre of it. I’ll be taking responsibility for it and I also have to construct the teams. It is new territory for all of us. We are looking forward to it and hopefully in the long run make a difference. Rahul and I both will have our sincere stamp on whatever we do in this tournament,” he further added.
“All these things will be of huge help to people that don’t play this high-intensity tournament every single year,” Ashwin said. “And I am sure this is going to be an annual affair which will give them a nice launchpad into adapting to high-level performing cricket under a high-duress environment. So, it’s going to be very, very good for them in that fashion”.
“T20 as a sport is here to stay,” R Ashwin concluded. “I’m not too sure about ODI cricket”
