IPL 2024 - R Ashwin cameo at No. 5 comes to an end, smashes 3 SIXES

In Match 9 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC), the host city 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. Expectations were high as fans expected Shimron Hetmyer or Dhruv Jurel to accompany Riyan Parag at the crease, but RR surprised everyone by sending in all-rounder R Ashwin at the No. 5 position.

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Initially met with criticism on social media, Ashwin swiftly silenced his the trolls online by launching a six off Kuldeep Yadav and following it up with two more maximums against Anrich Nortje in the subsequent over at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. 

As praise poured in for the all-rounder's impressive display, his innings was cut short by Axar Patel, departing after scoring 29 runs off 19 balls. Nonetheless, Ashwin's contribution proved crucial for RR, as his partnership with Parag helped the team recover from the early setbacks, posting a 50+ run partnership.

Only the third time Ravi Ashwin has hit 3 sixes in an IPL innings

vs KKR at Indore, 2018

vs CSK at Brabourne, 2022

vs DC at Jaipur, 2024*

After 18 overs, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have scored 145 runs with the loss of 5 wickets. Riyan Parag has gone on to smash a half-century and is joined by Shimron Hetmyer 1*) at the crease. Among the Delhi Capitals (DC) bowlers, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Axar Patel, Anrich Nortje, and Kuldeep Yadav have each claimed a wicket.

Teams:

Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Ricky Bhui, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Sumit Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar

Subs: Abhishek Porel, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Pravin Dubey, Kumar Kushgara, Rasikh Dar

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Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sandeep Sharma, Avesh Khan

Subs: Rovman Powell, Nandre Burger, Tanush Kotian, Shubham Dubey, Kuldeep Sen.