TNPL 2023: Mix of promising youngsters and experienced campaigners - Ashwin on Dindigul Dragons squad

Chennai, June 16: Indian seasoned off-spinner and Dindigul Dragons captain Ravichandran Ashwin is content with squad depth for the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2023.

The Tamil Nadu star R Ashwin spoke to FanCode on his TNPL stint, where he is leading a strong Dindigul Dragons side, which he feels has a good mix of promising talents as well as experienced stars.

Commenting on the team composition of the Dragons in the current season, Ashwin highlighted the well-rounded nature of the squad. He emphasized the presence of seasoned players as well as promising newcomers.

"They are very exciting (Shivam Singh and Suboth Bhati) and bring different facets to the one. One covers the death bowling for us," Ashwin said on the two talents.

"And the other one is a very experienced opener, he is playing for the Punjab Kings in the IPL as well. I think people are here to witness something special from him."

While Ashwin acknowledged his team lack the current day TN star names like a Sai Sudarshan or Baba Aparajith among other, the World No. 1 Test bowler feels his team has enough depth to compete.

"However, I think our side is also made up of some experienced Tamil Nadu players like Varun (Chakravarthy), (Baba) Indrajith and P Sarvana Kumar;" Ashwin added. "All in all, it may not look like your Sai Sudharsans, (Baba) Aparajiths, or whatever it is. But I think we have got enough depth in the team."

The premier off-spinner also talked about his preparations for the T20 league and his reaction to the WTC exclusion ahead of the TNPL season. Ashwin admitted that he didn't have much time to prepare for the TNPL due to his focus on the WTC 2023 final.

The veteran spinner expressed that his primary focus was on the prestigious Test match, which left him with limited preparation time for the domestic league.

"For the TNPL, actually, not really (prepared). I prepared a little bit for the Test matches. But when I was not playing, I was working on my batting a little bit," Ashwin said.

"I really do hope my experience can come in handy and take me through the game, initially, but once I get going, it will be fine. I have got a good side, so I genuinely think I can get the best out of them."

Dindigul Dragons opened the TNPL 2023 campaign with a six-wicket victory over Ba11sy Trichy at the SNR College Cricket Ground in Coimbatore on Wednesday (June 14). They will next be in action at home against Madurai Panthers on Sunday (June 18).