Ravi Ashwin Unveils New Bowling Action During ETPL 2026
The inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026 is underway, captivating cricket fans across the Netherlands and set to move to Ireland. This new franchise tournament features six dynamic teams, blending global talent with local European players. Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin is confirmed as captain and mentor for Dublin Guardians.
Veteran Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin captured widespread attention during the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026 after unveiling a modified bowling action while captaining the Dublin Guardians. The 39-year-old off-spinner, renowned for his tactical reinvention and unconventional variations, showcased an altered release point and adjusted approach to the crease during the tournament's ongoing match against Amsterdam Flames. Tom Curran Hat-Trick Video: Edinburgh Castle Rockers Pacer Becomes First Bowler to Take 3 Wickets in 3 Balls in ETPL.
Ravi Ashwin Unveils New Bowling Action
Tactical Tweaks on Display in Europe
Ashwin debuted the slight technical adjustment during Dublin Guardians' fixtures at Sportpark Westvliet, catching both batters and observers off guard. The alteration features a subtly shortened run-up paired with a more side-on gathering motion at the delivery stride, enabling Ashwin to alter his trajectory and grip the surface sharply on European decks.
Throughout his international and franchise career, Ashwin has never hesitated to experiment with his mechanics—from pausing mid-action to bowling leg-spin and flat carrom balls. His latest variation appears tailored to extract maximum bounce and restrict scoring rates across European pitches.
Economical Spells Amid Tough Team Fortunes
Despite the individual technical masterclass, Ashwin's Dublin Guardians—owned by former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid—have faced a challenging start to their maiden ETPL campaign. The side suffered four consecutive defeats in their opening matches, despite several competitive individual showings.
Even with the team under pressure, Ashwin’s tactical adjustments with the ball yielded dividends on the scorecard. In Dublin’s recent encounter against the Rotterdam Dockers, the off-spinner delivered an exceptionally tight spell of 1 for 21 in his four overs, conceding barely over five an over while rivals chased down a 179-run target. European T20 Premier League: Format, Teams, Owners and All You Need To Know About ETPL Co-Owned by Abhishek Bachchan.
A Legacy of Constant Innovation
Ashwin’s willingness to introduce new bowling mechanics at this stage of his career underlines his reputation as one of cricket’s foremost tacticians. Having stepped away from the Indian Premier League after the 2025 season, his foray into the ETPL as captain and mentor for Dublin reflects a continued ambition to test his skills in diverse conditions.
The Dublin Guardians will look to convert their skipper's miserly bowling spells into vital team points when the ETPL shifts from the Netherlands to Ireland’s Malahide Cricket Club later in the tournament.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2026 09:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).