New Zealand leg spinner Adithya Ashok, who recently spent time training at the CSK Academy in Chennai, is eager to apply his newfound knowledge of Indian cricket conditions in the upcoming three-match ODI series against India starting January 11 in Baroda. At just 23 years old, Ashok has cultivated a deep connection to his Indian roots after moving to New Zealand from Vellore, Tamil Nadu, at the age of four.
Ashok, who honors his late grandfather with a tattoo in Tamil that reads ‘En vazhi thani vazhi’ (my way is a unique way), has frequently visited India and emphasized that his training in Chennai last year was particularly impactful. During his time at the CSK Academy, he gained insights into the nuances of different pitch types in India, which contrasts sharply with the fast, pace-friendly surfaces he is used to in New Zealand.
Moreover, Ashok expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by New Zealand Cricket, which allowed him to train alongside others and learn invaluable lessons about setting up batters and adapting to varying pitch conditions. “Those are the big takeaways for me,” he said, reflecting on how the experience will aid him in facing formidable opponents like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the series.
While Ashok believes that his experience in Chennai gives him a foundational understanding of the game, he emphasizes that it doesn’t guarantee success. He views the opportunity as a means to build his cricketing library and hone his skills. “It just gives me a little bit of like a base understanding,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of recalling past experiences to inform his performance.
In terms of inspiration, Ashok cites cricket legend Shane Warne as his idol, but also values the mentorship he receives from current New Zealand spinners, particularly Ish Sodhi, whom he describes as a “big brother.” His connection to former cricketer Tarun Nethula, who also serves as a mentor, underscores Ashok’s commitment to growth within the sport.
As he prepares for the ODI series in India, Ashok’s experiences and training promise to further enrich his burgeoning career, highlighting a positive outlook as he moves forward in the competitive world of cricket.