ETPL 2026: R Ashwin’s New Bowling Action Unveiled to Baffle Steve Smith’s Amsterdam Flames (WATCH)

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin unveiled a new, revamped bowling action during the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026. Despite his team, the Durbin Guardians, losing, Ashwin's innovative delivery stride went viral, earning praise from fans for his continuous experimentation.

The veteran Indian off-spinner and Durbin Guardians captain Ravichandran Ashwin unveiled his new bowling action during the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026 clash at Sportpark Westvliet in The Hague on Saturday, September 5.

Durbin Guardians recorded their fifth consecutive defeat following a nine-run defeat to Amsterdam Flames, who registered their second win of the inaugural season of the tournament. With a 170-run target, Guardians failed to chase it down as they were restricted to 160/8 in 20 overs, despite opener James Vince’s brilliant knock of 73 off 46 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes.

For Flames, Tim Pringle (3/22), Aryan Dutt (2/28), and Richard Gleeson (2/38) claimed crucial wickets to derail the chase, ensuring Amsterdam held on for a narrow victory despite Dublin’s late efforts.

R Ashwin’s New Bowling Action Goes Viral

Though Durbin Guardians are on the verge of an early exit from the ETPL 2026 following their fifth defeat on the trot, skipper Ravichandran Ashwin’s latest tactical innovation became the talk of the town.

Ashwin is often known for his experimentation with his spin bowling, including his famous carrom ball, arm ball, and sliders, continually finding new ways to outsmart batters across formats. In the match against Amsterdam Flames, the veteran Indian off-spinner added another layer to his legendary repertoire by stepping up to the crease with a completely revamped delivery stride.

In a video posted by the European T20 Premier League on its X handle (formerly Twitter), Ashwin was seen experimenting with a slightly modified action while facing Smith, featuring a shortened run-up and a distinct side-on gathering motion during his delivery stride, seemingly aimed at extracting extra bounce from the pitches in the Netherlands.

Ravi Ashwin with a new bowling action in the ETPL. pic.twitter.com/HlbHYbC0Fp

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 5, 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin picked up a wicket of Australian batter Tim David while conceding 18 runs at an economy rate of 4.50 in his spell of four overs.

The veteran off-spinner’s bowling prowess once again shone through, keeping the dangerous Amsterdam batting lineup in check while adding yet another memorable chapter to his storied career of continuous innovation.

Fans Praise Ashwin’s Latest Bowling Experiment

Ravichandran Ashwin’s new bowling action during the Durbin Guardians’ EPTL clash against Amsterdam Flames has sparked reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts praising his relentless curiosity, innovative mindset, and ability to keep evolving his craft.

Taking to their X handles, many hailed Ashwin’s constant experimentation with his spin bowling, with some calling him a ‘genius’ and praising his willingness to keep adding new tricks to his repertoire. Others admired his passion for improving and finding new ways to keep batters guessing, even at this stage of his career.

However, a few fans simply enjoyed seeing Ashwin and Smith face off again, with one reaction noting that the contest brought back memories of their memorable battles over the years.

Ashwin experimentation stops for no one, even against Steve Smith! Absolute legend. 🐐

— pullshot fortyfive. (@Imyashhhh45) September 5, 2026

Retirement from international cricket clearly didn't retire the scientist in Ashwin. :D

— The Conviction Club 🥇 (@SearchGood) September 5, 2026

Ashwin experimenting against Steve Smith? 👀🔥 The master of variations is still finding new tricks! Cricket never stops teaching us something new. 🧠🏏

— Amna Malik (@amna_malik127) September 5, 2026

#Ashwin v #SteveSmith ...reminds of such great moments over the years. https://t.co/nqM5osxPUw

— movieman (@movieman777) September 5, 2026

Ashwin is genuinely a genius, man. 👏🔥

He has retired from international cricket and isn’t even playing the IPL anymore. We all know how great Ashwin is and how much he has already achieved in the game.

At this stage, he doesn’t really need to learn anything new. Yet, he is…

— FailedCricketer (@FailedCrickt) September 5, 2026

Ravi Ashwin collecting his Bowling actions like Infinity stones pic.twitter.com/BqVwSmKMDJ

— Haydos🛡️ (@GovindIstOdraza) September 5, 2026

𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗪𝗜𝗡 WITH A NEW BOWLING ACTION! 👀🔥

The Professor is adding a new dimension to his game in the ETPL. 🧠🎯#ETPL #Smith #Ashwin #INDvsPAK#Pakistanwomen #Indianwomen pic.twitter.com/cmfeTlYLjg

— SAHIL NAGPAL (@Pavilionpulse) September 5, 2026

Not about his YT videos but something about Ashwin, the bowler is so fascinating. He's always trying to find ways to keep batters on their toes. Always trying to improve himself, always trying to outfox the batter. Love it genuinely https://t.co/HDY29PyNn2

— Alaska (@alaska0811) September 5, 2026

Why isn't trying to take his hands away from Smith here? Or does T20 not require it? https://t.co/sBLNWAZSW7

— Blackwater Park (@demonofthefall4) September 5, 2026

In the inaugural edition of the EPTL, Ravichandran Ashwin has had a moderate outing so far, picking up just 4 wickets at an average of 31.25 and an economy rate of 6.25 in five matches. With the bat, the veteran off-spinner has scored just 24 runs at an average of 6.00 in 4 innings.