'IPL is a stepping stone'

Mumbai

Defending champions Mumbai start their ninth edition of the IPL campaign against new franchise Supergiants at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

“IPL has produced lots of cricketers in the mix. It’s a very important tournament. It helps you rub shoulders with top international cricketers. It helps you to take away the pressure especially in the big moment and gives you a feeling about what international cricket could be all about. That’s a great stepping stone between first class and international cricket,” Ashwin said at the pre-match press conference.

“In general, I think T20 cricket has probably gone a notch up. In the last year or two. The game has definitely evolved, and it is important to keep an eye on how much the game has evolved,” he added.

The 29-year-old praised the team’s batting powerhouse and England exiled batsman Kevin Pietersen to fire for the new franchise.

“I think KP is hitting the ball really well. He is one of the finest players I have seen and do well in India from a foreign batsman perspective. He has done really well in Tests as well.

The Tamil Nadu offie is now looking forward to  deliver for his new franchise.