In the high-octane world of international cricket, few players possess tactical skills. Ravichandran Ashwin. Although now retired from international cricket, the veteran off-spinner remains a keen student of the game, often sharing masterclasses on social media. Recently, during the ongoing 2nd ODI between India and New Zealand at Rajkot, Ashwin analyzed an amazing tactical battle through his X (formerly Twitter) handle. Daryl MitchellCalculated advantage over India’s best wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav.
Ravichandran Ashwin explains how Daryl Mitchell handled Kuldeep Yadav in the 2nd ODI.
Ashwin has never been one to shy away from praising technical brilliance, even if it comes from the opposition. In a detailed post, he described Mitchell as “one of the most cerebral cricketers around,” highlights how the Kiwi batter uses his high-level game awareness to maximize his potential.
The crux of Ashwin’s analysis was based on how Mitchell systematically dismantled Kuldeep’s rhythm. According to Ashwin, Mitchell is one of the rare modern batsmen who is not afraid to use his legs against elite spinners like Kuldeep or others. Varun Chakraborty. Ashwin observed a certain sequence: Mitchell first out to Kuldeep for a massive six. Anticipating that Kuldeep would respond by bowling the next delivery faster and flatter to prevent him from reloading, Mitchell stayed back and bowled the ball deftly outside the corner.
“It sounds simple when explained, but for the spinner to return that short square leg to short fine is an underrated aspect of the game.“,” Ashwin remarked. By forcing the captain Shubman Gill to change the field, Mitchell effectively neutralized the pressure, proving that his success was not only about strength, but also about psychological warfare.
Daryl Mitchell is easily one of the most cerebral cricketers around, using his wonderful game awareness to maximize his potential.
Case in point: Varun, Kuldeep, etc.
Hits Kuldeep…. pic.twitter.com/qi1ZxeLTAk
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 14, 2026
Also WATCH: Harshit Rana bowls Devon Conway with an absolute jaffa in the 2nd ODI at Rajkot
Mitchell’s growth in ODIs and form against India
Mitchell’s performance in the current series is no fluke; it is a continuation of the gold rush that made it India’s biggest thorn. Currently, it is on the 3rd place in the rating table ICC Men’s ODI Batting RankingsMitchell breathes down the necks of Indian braves Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the top spot. His recent stats against the Men in Blue are staggering, averaging close to 53 in his last few outings against them.
Coming off a brilliant 84 in the 1st ODI at Vadodara, Mitchell cemented his reputation as a big match player. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a strike rate of over 90 makes him a rare commodity in the middle order. Whether or not it has been in the twin centuries 2023 World Cup or the current tactical masterclass against India’s spin twins, Mitchell proved he has the technical hands to thrive in subcontinental conditions. As India eyes the 2027 World Cup, players like Mitchell are setting the gold standard for tackling high-quality wrist spin on the spin tracks.
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