Adithya Ashok, the promising legspinner hailing from New Zealand with Indian roots, is poised to make his mark in the cricketing world as he prepares to bowl in the first ODI against India in Vadodara. At just 23 years old, Ashok represents an exciting prospect for the Black Caps, especially as he faces renowned batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Ashok’s journey began in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, before his family relocated to New Zealand when he was only four years old. The legspinner has already made a name for himself, having played in two ODIs and one T20I for New Zealand, where he has taken two wickets to date. Known for his sharp turn and effective spin, he has garnered attention in the cricketing sphere.
His notable performance in the 2023 four-day Plunket Shield match for Auckland, where he achieved impressive bowling figures of 7/103 against the Northern Districts, has only fortified his reputation. Ashok’s cricketing roots run deep, having represented New Zealand at the 2020 U19 World Cup in South Africa prior to his senior debut in 2023.
Adding to his experience, Ashok recently spent time training at the Chennai Super Kings academy, further honing his skills. Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull highlighted the significance of Ashok’s background, mentioning his family’s journey from Tamil Nadu to New Zealand and praising the inclusion of Indian-origin players in the New Zealand cricket team.
Doull enthusiastically encouraged young talent, expressing a desire for more spinners from Indian origins to join the New Zealand squad, indicating the country’s continuous search for strong spinning options. The event marks an exciting chapter for Ashok, and his performance in this ODI could be a stepping stone towards a successful international career.