Ravichandran Ashwin is set to lead the Dublin Gladiators as player-captain and coach in the European T20 Premier League.
What's the new role?
Ashwin will combine his playing career with coaching responsibilities, a challenge he's eager to take on.
Why the European T20 Premier League?
The veteran off-spinner believes this dual role is a natural extension of his leadership experience in franchise cricket.
Ashwin has already shown his capabilities as a captain and mentor, guiding the Dindigul Dragons to their maiden Tamil Nadu Premier League title in 2024.
What's Ashwin's experience?
He has captained teams in 28 IPL matches and briefly led the Tamil Nadu cricket team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, bringing considerable top-level leadership experience to the Dublin Gladiators.
Rahul Dravid, co-owner of the Dublin Gladiators, will not be involved in the cricketing operations, leaving Ashwin in charge of on-field strategy and leadership.
Ashwin is currently representing the San Francisco Unicorns in his first Major League Cricket season, having featured in just one match so far.
What's next for Ashwin?
The opportunity marks a significant comeback for Ashwin following knee surgery, which forced him to miss his maiden stint in the Big Bash League.
Ashwin's leadership experience and mentoring skills will be valuable assets to the Dublin Gladiators in the European T20 Premier League.
He's at a stage in his career where he wants to contribute more than just being a player, and this new role is a crossover into what he'd like to do next.
The European T20 Premier League will provide Ashwin with a new challenge and an opportunity to showcase his skills as a player-captain and coach.
Ashwin's experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the Dublin Gladiators to success in the league.
He's in a good mental space with respect to his cricketing career and is ready to make the right decisions for the team.
The Dublin Gladiators will benefit from Ashwin's expertise and leadership, and he's excited to take on this new challenge.
Ashwin's journey as player-captain and coach in the European T20 Premier League will be an interesting one to watch, and he's ready to give it his all.