Ravichandran Ashwin, a former off-spinner for India, recently disclosed that he had suggested that all Indian Premier League (IPL) teams seek to sign Australia batsman Tim David during the 2025 major auctions, but his advice had gone unheeded.
After being cut loose by the five-time champions, David, who had played for the Mumbai Indians in 2024, was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Because he was signed for merely INR 3 crore, the right-handed batter, who is renowned for his big-hitting ability, was unable to spark a bidding war. Ashwin believed that RCB had made one of the greatest bargains of the IPL mega auction by acquiring the devastating Australian batsman at that price.
“I shouldn’t admit it, but I advised several IPL teams’ decision-makers to select him prior to the final auction. ‘No, his game has dropped off substantially,’ they all replied,” Ashwin posted on his YouTube account.
“I think big batsmen with long levers and a powerful frame will be the norm in T20 cricket in the future. As long as the wide queue remains unchanged, they will be in charge. A player who was acquired by RCB for the base price of INR 3 crore has improved his skill level. Australia’s decision to promote him is commendable. “A true gem for RCB,” he continued.
In the 2025 Indian Premier League, Tim David enjoyed an incredible season as a batsman for RCB.
At a strike rate of 185.15 and an average of 62.33, he scored 187 runs in nine innings. The 29-year-old was instrumental in RCB’s first-ever championship victory.
The Singapore-born player has been in outstanding form in the current three-match Twenty20 International series against South Africa, registering scorching half-centuries in the opening two games in Darwin. The third and final game of the series, which is tied at one, will be played on Saturday, August 16 at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns.
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