I’m Absolutely Fine Playing Together With R Ashwin — Jos Buttler

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have made some surprising purchases in the recent IPL 2022 blockbuster auction held in Bengaluru. Despite they did sign young opener Devdutt Padikkal & the Kiwis speedster Trent Boult, however, the franchise has been decided to sign legendary India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for a sum of 5 crores. The Tamil Nadu player was dropped by the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the retentions, ahead of the mega auction event.

Although R Ashwin has joined the Rajasthan team, he will be paired with English keeper-batter Jos Buttler in the nets. Buttler, together with captain Sanju Samson and promising starter Yashavi Jaiswal, is among the performers signed by the conquerors of the inaugural IPL season for the huge sum of 10 crores. And 3 years later following their memorable on-field dispute, the off-spinner, and England’s gloveman would finally be teammates. However, RR CEO Jake Lush McCrum has stated that the 2019 WC champion is very inclined to play alongside R Ashwin.

Ashwin will have to practice in the nets with Buttler: RR CEO Jake Lush McCrum

“We spoke to Jos prior to the auction and just talked through all of our prioritization of players. Honestly, he didn’t even think about it (his run out by Ashwin at the non-striker’s end in 2019). I had to sort of bringing it up to just check it was okay. And he said ‘it’s absolutely fine,” said the Rajasthan Royals CEO Jake Lush McCrum.

“Maybe he will have to practice in the nets with him. But otherwise, on the field, they’re looking forward to playing together,” he added.

During the IPL 2019 premier league game featuring Punjab & Rajasthan — Ashwin, who was commanding Punjab Kings, bowled Buttler out at the non-strikers’ side after he noticed the batsman move out of the crease as he was about to release the delivery. Shockingly, Ashwin removed the bails despite not being given a formal warning. Many players were seen arguing before a humiliated Buttler came back to the dugout after the judgment was overturned against the hitter.

That would be the defining moment in the competition, as the defending champs found no way out in the run chase. Whereas many, notably bowling icon Shane Warne, condemned the high-ranking off-spinner for his conduct, and many others supported him