Ravichandran Ashwin at Major League Cricket (MLC) was one of the biggest attraction points of the tournament. The former India star became the first capped Indian men’s international cricketer to feature in the competition. He is an Indian legend who carries huge star power, and his presence in the USA would mean so much to the tournament.
But Ashwin’s much-awaited debut for the San Francisco Unicorns did not quite go according to plan. The 39-year-old, who retired from international cricket and missed the Unicorns’ opening game while recovering from a knee injury, returned to action against Texas Super Kings. However, his first outing in MLC colours was forgettable as he finished wicketless and struggled to contain the opposition batters.
Super Kings batters take on Ashwin
Ashwin was introduced into the attack in the fourth over, but Texas Super Kings batter Milind Kumar wasted no time in putting him under pressure. The very first ball was dispatched over fine leg for six, and things only got tougher from there.
Milind targeted Ashwin’s slightly shorter lengths, slog-sweeping one delivery and later launching another straight back over the bowler’s head for a second maximum. By the end of his first over, Ashwin had conceded 15 runs.
His second over offered little relief. It came after Super Kings lost four wickets. Bowling the 10th over, Ashwin was slightly better as he followed the batters but still ended up bowling a tad bit short. Rilee Rossouw and Wiaan Mulder rotated strike, ensuring the veteran off-spinner doesn’t go for frugal economy. Rossouw then capitalised on another short delivery, hammering it down the ground for four.
Ashwin’s spell ended at 2-0-24-0, with the off-spinner unable to create any real pressure or pick up a breakthrough. As a matter of fact, SFU captain Matthew Short, who is himself a part-time off-spinner, was hugely successful as he took 2/25 in his quota of four overs, easily outbowling Ashwin.
Unicorns make sure Ashwin’s expensive spell doesn’t hurt
Fortunately for the Unicorns, Ashwin’s expensive outing did not impact the result.
The rest of the bowling attack stepped up brilliantly, with veteran Australian seamer Peter Siddle leading the charge with three wickets. Pakistan pacer Ghulam Mudassar was superb too as Texas Super Kings were restricted to 152/9 from their 20 overs.
The chase was then led by South African youngster Lhuan-dre Pretorius, whose unbeaten 69 guided San Francisco to a comfortable seven-wicket win with more than two overs to spare. Ashwin didn’t have a start he wanted after entering a new chapter of his career. Yet, given his pedigree and ability to adapt, few would bet against the veteran bouncing back quickly.
