‘It's a crossover into what I'd like to do next’ - Ravichandran Ashwin on player-coach role in European T20 Premier League

Ravichandran Ashwin is set to embrace a new challenge as a player-captain and coach in the European T20 Premier League, describing the opportunity as a crossover into what I would like to do next.

The veteran off-spinner will lead the Dublin Gladiators, a franchise co-owned by Rahul Dravid, and believes the dual role is a natural extension of the leadership and mentoring responsibilities he has already taken on in franchise cricket in recent years.

"I think I'm at that stage of my career where I'd like to contribute more than just being a player. And for whatever it is worth, even if it's a state-run league, I've been a coach-cum-captain for the last couple of years that I've played my cricket there. So, it was just a straight connection,” said Ashwin as quoted by Cricbuzz.

"And Rahul (Dravid) had seen me do the job and he understands what I do back home for club cricket. So, I think he was pretty confident that I can do it. It's just a crossover into what I'd like to do next,” he added.

In 2024, Ashwin successfully combined the roles of captain and mentor to guide the Dindigul Dragons to their maiden Tamil Nadu Premier League title. Since retiring from the IPL, the veteran off-spinner has been eager to take on a similar dual role in overseas leagues. The opportunity also marks a significant comeback following knee surgery, which forced him to miss what would have been his maiden stint in the Big Bash League. Currently representing the San Francisco Unicorns in his first Major League Cricket season, Ashwin has featured in just one match so far.

Besides his success in the TNPL, Ashwin also brings considerable top-level leadership experience, having captained teams in 28 IPL matches and briefly led Tamil Nadu cricket team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. While combining captaincy with a mentoring role presents a unique challenge, Ashwin believes it is simply a natural extension of the responsibilities he has already embraced throughout his career.

"I think leadership doesn't have to necessarily come with the title. I've done that over the last 4-5 years in whichever team I've been a part of. Even in the IPL and after that, state leagues and my club teams. Which is something I really enjoy doing. So, if that means I have to make even a decision about myself, I wouldn't be thinking twice to make that on myself. So, I am really in a good space with respect to my cricketing career. If that be as a player, mentor or whatever that is. I am really finding myself in a good mental space. So, I will make the right decision for the team,” said Ashwin.

Ashwin will work alongside Dravid, whose distinguished playing career was followed by a successful coaching stint that culminated in India's triumph at the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. However, Ashwin clarified that Dravid will not be involved in the cricketing operations of the Dublin Gladiators, leaving the responsibility for on-field strategy, leadership and mentoring entirely in his hands.

"I think freedom is very important for people to be on the side (of running) a cricket team on the field. And I don't think we've had too many issues at all so far. Rahul has been very clear that he doesn't want to involve himself as much in cricketing decisions, which is why I'm at the centre of it. I'll be taking responsibility for it and I also have to construct the teams,” said Ashwin.

"It is new territory for all of us. We are looking forward to it and hopefully in the long run make a difference. Rahul and I both will have our sincere stamp on whatever we do in this tournament,” he added.