R Ashwin Left Out Of Playing XI Against Punjab, Skipper Sanju Samson Explains Reason

The Tami Nadu-based player has been a consistent performer for the franchise in the ongoing edition of the IPL 2023.

Ravichandran Ashwin in action.

Source : PTI

Ahead of the match against Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals suffered a huge blow with veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin missing out from the playing XI.  The Tami Nadu-based player has been a consistent performer for the franchise in the ongoing edition of the IPL 2023. Royals’ skipper Sanju Samson disclosed the reason as to why Ashwin has not been included in the playing XI.

"We will bowl. Looking at the dimensions and looking at what we require in the tournament, it is better to bowl. We need to win the game. Then see how the other games go. If you want to play good T20 cricket, you need to forget things. We have had four to five days off. One has to understand the conditions. We have a couple of changes. Last-minute changes. Ashwin misses out because of a back spasm."

Talking about Rajasthan Royals’ run, they have won six games out of 13 matches they played so far and are at the sixth position in the points table. If Sanju Samson’s team wants to make it into the playoffs, they have to win this game. Rajasthan-based franchise have been struggling after having a good start in the IPL 2023 as they lost their last game against Royal Challengers Bangalore where they were dismissed for just 59 runs in 10.3 overs.

In today’s PBKS vs RR clash, Punjab’s skipper Shikhar Dhawan said that they are stepping on the field with the same playing XI as in their last game.

"Last match, dew wasn't much. First batting or second, it shouldn't change much. We will come and enjoy the game. Will try to give our best shot. We need to take more wickets in the first 6 overs. We can cash in more. We are playing the same team."

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson(w/c), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Adam Zampa, Trent Boult, Navdeep Saini, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Shikhar Dhawan(c), Prabhsimran Singh, Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma(w), Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh.