Ravichandran Ashwin Hails Sandeep Sharma as One of IPL's Top Pacers

Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Sandeep Sharma, placing him among the top three Indian pacers in IPL history alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. Following a standout performance against the Mumbai Indians, where he took two wickets, Ashwin highlighted Sandeep's ability to read the game and his effectiveness under pressure. Despite limited international appearances, Sandeep has made a significant impact in the IPL, ranking among the league's most successful bowlers. Discover more about Ashwin's insights and Sandeep's impressive record.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 8, 2026, 17:46 IST

Ashwin's Remarkable Praise for Sandeep Sharma

Ravichandran Ashwin has made a significant statement, placing Rajasthan Royals' Sandeep Sharma alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah as one of the finest fast bowlers in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This assertion came after Sandeep's impressive performance in a rain-affected match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on April 7, where he played a crucial role in securing a 26-run victory for his team. The seasoned bowler was the only one from RR to bowl three overs, claiming two wickets while conceding just 26 runs, including the crucial wicket of Rohit Sharma, who managed only five runs off six balls during MI's chase of 151 runs in 11 overs.

Ashwin's High Praise

Ashwin lauded Sandeep, categorizing him among the league's 'most competitive Indian pacers.' He acknowledged the distinct differences between Jasprit Bumrah and Sandeep Sharma but emphasized that the top three Indian fast bowlers in IPL history are Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Sandeep Sharma. He noted Sandeep's ability to swing the new ball and utilize the knuckleball effectively, highlighting that the Rajasthan Royals trust him during the death overs due to his character and effectiveness, despite not being flamboyant or bowling at 140 km/h. Ashwin stated, 'The more you praise Sandeep, the less it is.' He further explained that Sandeep possesses a keen understanding of batters, predicting their actions and reading the game well. He pointed out that many bowlers struggle with game awareness, but those who excel in this area have a greater chance of success. 'Under pressure, if your game reading and execution are strong, you can become one of the best bowlers in the IPL,' Ashwin concluded, referencing Sandeep's impressive record against Rohit and Virat Kohli. Although Sandeep has only represented India in two matches, he has amassed 149 wickets in 140 IPL games, ranking as the 14th most successful bowler in the league's history, 6th among pacers, and 4th among Indian fast bowlers.