R Ashwin signs Jos Buttler’s jersey in dressing room after IPL 2022 final

Indian and Rajasthan Royals star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was recently spotted signing his teammate Jos Buttler’s jersey in the Rajasthan Royals (RR) dressing room. The event took place after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) final in Ahmedabad on May 29 (Sunday).

It may be noted that Buttler was RR’s retained player and the franchise purchased Ashwin during the IPL 2022 mega auction. The right-handed batter had an excellent season, as the England opener won the Orange Cap (most runs) after amassing 863 runs to his name at an average of 57.53 and a strike rate of 149.05. The off-spinner Ashwin, on the other hand, scalped 12 wickets and made 191 runs.

Both Ashwin and Buttler had a rather rough history

Ahead of the tournament, the cricket fans wanted to see Buttler and Ashwin play for RR together, all thanks to their rough history in the tournament. Notably, the off-spinner had caused Buttler’s run out at the non-striker’s end during the IPL 2019 edition. However, both professional cricketers seemed to have developed a close bond throughout IPL 2022.

“We spoke to Jos before 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,” CEO Jake Lush McCrum had said at a media interaction.

“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.

The Royals from Rajasthan had a heartbreak during the 15th edition of IPL as they lost the final match at the hands of new entrants Gujarat Titans (GT). RR managed to score only 130 runs in their allotted 20 overs. However, the newbies on the back of some vital knocks from Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, and David Miller chased down the target easily.