How R Ashwin’s Suggestion Changed RCB’s Fortunes in IPL 2025
R Ashwin says IPL teams ignored his advice to sign Tim David, allowing RCB to snap him up for INR 3 crore in the mega auction.
Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed that he had tipped a few IPL teams to sign Australian power-hitter Tim David before the mega auction, but they refused to listen.
David, released by Mumbai Indians before the auction, went almost unnoticed when his name came up. It was Sunrisers Hyderabad who started the bidding but quickly backed out, leaving Royal Challengers Bengaluru to grab him for just INR 3 crore.
Ashwin said on his YouTube channel:
“I told the decision makers of a few IPL teams to pick him before the last auction. They all said, ‘No, his game has dropped off drastically’. I believe tall batters with long levers and strong build will dominate T20 cricket if the wide line rule remains as it is.”
RCB’s gamble paid off. David played the finisher’s role with precision, scoring 187 runs in the season at an average of 62.33 and a blistering strike rate of 185.15. His quick knocks proved crucial in their middle and lower order.
Ashwin credited RCB for spotting the value. “A player RCB picked at base price has taken his game to the next level. It’s good to see Australia sending him up the order. A real steal for RCB,” he added.
The 29-year-old’s form has been outstanding for Australia this year too. In just 5 matches, he has scored 265 runs at a strike rate of 212.00 and even notched his maiden T20I hundred against West Indies.
