After playing his first match in his home country, New Zealand leg-spinner Adithya Ashok’s name went viral online. He was seen training at the CSK’ school a short while ago, which attracted a lot of attention from the supporters of the five-time IPL winners.
After the first ODI, when Ashok gave a performance that demonstrated why he has been considered a player to watch, those conversations only picked up steam. Early in the series, the right-arm leg-spinner took out India captain Shubman Gill, a move that immediately made him a star against one of the most reliable batsmen in international cricket. In his six overs throughout the game, he gave up 55 runs.
Ashok’s stature increased dramatically. He used to be a relatively unknown figure to Indian supporters, but he has swiftly developed into a player who attracts attention off the pitch as well. Ashok has been frequently stopped for photographs throughout the team hotel and training facilities, demonstrating how quickly recognition may accompany performance in the modern game.
Even before the series began, Adithya Ashok – thanks to his CSK connection and aspiration to play across formats for New Zealand – was in talks. Having picked Shubman Gill’s wicket in the series-opener, Adi seems to be getting used to being chased around for selfies. Rajkot seems… pic.twitter.com/I3YJzWgUn2
— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) January 13, 2026
For those who don’t know, the leg-spinner for the BlackCaps made his New Zealand debut in 2023. It happened three years after he had played for them in South Africa during the 2020 Under-19 World Cup. In the four-day Plunket Shield match between Auckland and Northern Districts at Eden Park in 2023, he scored 7 for 103.
Exposure to top-notch settings, especially during his time at the CSK setup, where he collaborated closely with seasoned international players and coaching staff, has influenced the young player’s path.
There is excitement for Ashok’s next appearance when the series shifts to Rajkot, where the teams play the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. Ashok will be looking to establish his value with a game-winning period on Wednesday and draw even with the Men in Blue as the visiting Kiwi team is currently behind 0-1 in the three-match series.
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