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Former India spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has made a stunning revelation months ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction. Ashwin said that he told a few decision-makers of IPL franchise to go for Australia’s big-hitter Tim David but they did not shell out big bucks for him in the mega auction. Released by Mumbai Indians (MI), David was roped in by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Rs 3 crore without much fight from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) who started the bid.
"I shouldn't say this but I told the decision makers of a few IPL teams to pick him before the last auction. They all said, 'No, his game has dropped off drastically '. I believe the future of T20 cricket is going to be having tall batters with long levers and strong build. They are going to rule the roost if there are no changes brought to the wide line," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
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David’s numbers in IPL 2025
David played 12 games for RCB in their maiden IPL-winning season, scoring 187 runs from nine innings at an average of 62.33, including an unbeaten half-century. His strike rate in the season was 185.15.
Ashwin feels that RCB lucked out as they got him for a very low price tag.
"A player RCB picked up at base price (INR 3 crore) has taken his game to the next level. It's good to see Australia sending him up the order. A real steal for RCB," Ashwin added.
David could not play in the final due to an injury and Liam Livingstone replaced him in the side, scoring 25 runs from 15 balls. He didn't play in their last league game and the Qualifier 1 as well.
David in red-hot form
Currently, David is Australia's leading run-scorer in T20Is this year. He has justified the promotion up the order. From four innings, he has 265 runs at an average of 88.33 and strike rate of 212. He scored his maiden T20I century against West Indies. In the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, he has scored two consecutive fifties.
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