Overview:
He played for New Zealand at the 2020 Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, and finally got his first senior cap in 2023.
The toss has gone India’s way early in 2026, with Shubman Gill getting the call right in the opening ODI against New Zealand at Vadodara’s BCA Stadium on Sunday. Gill didn’t hesitate, sending his side in to bowl. During the post-toss chat with Ravi Shastri, Michael Bracewell confirmed Adithya Ashok will play, leading the spin attack for New Zealand.
Ashok isn’t new to international cricket. He has already turned out in two ODIs and a T20I for New Zealand, picking up two wickets across formats. The leggie is regarded as a big-turn option, capable of ripping the ball hard.
The young wrist-spinner has an India connection as he was born in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, and migrated to New Zealand as a kid. He played for New Zealand at the 2020 Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, and finally got his first senior cap in 2023.
He produced a standout red-ball spell in 2023, finishing with 7/103 in a four-day Plunket Shield game for Auckland versus Northern Districts at Eden Park. Before the first ODI got underway, Simon Doull offered added insight into Ashok’s credentials and the buzz around him.
“He’s originally from Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The family spent some time in Singapore before moving to New Zealand, where his parents found work in hospitals, including in Auckland. He’s lived there since the age of four and, in a way, he’s following the same route as Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel, Indian-born players who’ve turned out for New Zealand,” Doull said on JioHotstar.
“We’re all for it. Keep them coming. Good spinners are always in demand, and we’re always hunting for them. If you’ve got the skill, whether you’re 13, 14, 15 or even younger, forward,” he added.