With three wickets lost at the score of 88 in 8.5 overs, Rajasthan Royals promoted Ravichandran Ashwin to bat at number five against Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday. The off spinner went on to score 30 off 22 deliveries, comprising one four and two sixes, while Rajasthan managed to post 175 Former West Indies captain Chris Gayle however, feels the call wasn't right as the fourth wicket stand between Ashwin and Jos Buttler saw a significant dip in the run rate. "They (Rajasthan Royals) do this often. Send Ashwin ahead of a proper batsmen. I'm against it. You have a left arm spinner bowling when you send Ashwin in. It could've been a different scenario," Gayle said during the mid-innings on JioCinema. Earlier during the season, Ashwin was also promoted to open the innings for Rajasthan in their second game against Punjab Kings in Guwahati as full-time opener Jos Buttler was held back after having picked a finger injury while fielding. Gayle however, would back Ashwin the bowler for the second innings at Chepauk against CSK. "I'll bring him as early as possible (to bowl). Ashwin is key with a left and right handed batter at the top," Gayle suggested. It did turn out to be an accurate prediction as Ashwin picked two wickets for 25 runs in his four over spell.
