Jaipur: Former Australian skipper Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) would try to exploit it to their advantage, stated captain Ravichandran Ashwin, who also asserted that that it won’t be an ‘easy comeback’ journey for the batsman.
The spotlight will be on Smith when Rajasthan Royals (RR) clash with Punjab here in an IPL-XII group league encounter, Monday.
“We all know he is a quality player and must have worked and prepared hard during the break but comebacks are not easy. He must have put a lot of efforts for a comeback mentally. I am sure he would look to perform and on the other hand we would look to take advantage of his rustiness,” Ashwin told reporters here, Sunday.
Ashwin himself is struggling to make a comeback to the Indian side and is likely to miss the World Cup bus with Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja doing a nice job with the white ball.
Asked if he felt, he is still in reckoning for a spot in India’s World Cup squad, he became a tad irritated.
“I can’t answer the question. Selectors have to answer that. But as far I am concerned I have played two World Cups. If I deserve and I am selected I would love to play,” Ashwin pointed out.
When pointed out that he was deceptive a few years back but was sorted out and whether Chahal and Kuldeep could also meet the same fate, Ashwin said adaptation is the key to remain strong.
“Cricket now days reveal all. There is lot of analysis and cameras can read out every movement of your fingers. The secret is to adapt to conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, earlier he was very strong on the leg-side but he adapted and now he is as strong on off-side too,” Ashwin stated.
Punjab coach Mike Hesson said big-hitting West Indian Chris Gayle and his present form is a huge bonus for his team. “The way he batted in the last series against England proved that he is still a force to reckon with. He is an asset on the field and in the dressing room where he helps youngsters groom,” said Hesson.
PTI
