'Crossover into what I'd like to do next': Ashwin on captain-coach role

R Ashwin is ready to take up a captain-coach role in the new European T20 Premier League, calling it a "crossover into what I'd like to do next".

Speaking after the first ETPL player draft, Ashwin, who will lead the Rahul Dravid-owned Dublin Gladiators, said: "I think I'm at that stage of my career where I'd like to contribute more than just being a player. I've been a coach-cum-captain for the last couple of years in state cricket. So, it was just a straight connection."

In 2024, playing a similar dual role, he took Dindigul Dragons to their maiden TNPL title. Ashwin also eyes it as a comeback after knee surgery, which ruled him out of a maiden BBL appearance. Currently in his first MLC stint with San Francisco Unicorns, he has only played one game so far.

Ashwin has prior top-level T20 captaincy experience, leading 28 times in the IPL and briefly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He feels merging it with a mentoring role is just an extension of the same responsibilities.

"I think leadership doesn't have to necessarily come with the title. I've done that over the last 4-5 years. So, if that means I have to make even a decision about myself, I wouldn't be thinking twice. I am really in a good space with respect to my cricketing career."

On Dravid, Ashwin made it clear he won't be part of cricketing operations. "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."

The ETPL is expected to be a breakthrough for associate cricket, with players from Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands getting a bigger opportunity. At the draft, the Gladiators picked four players from Ireland, and one each from Netherlands and Scotland.

Players picked by Dublin Gladiators at the draft

Ashwin feels that with the Olympics in a couple of years, teams from this league could help cricket become a global affair. "All these things will be of huge help to people that don't play high-intensity tournament every single year. This will give them a nice launchpad into adapting to high-level performing cricket."

Ashwin added that for cricket to become an Olympic sport, "the shorter the game, the more viable it is". He foresees T20 becoming bigger. "T20 as a sport is here to stay. I'm not too sure about ODI cricket."