Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Delhi Capitals’ think tank for not playing Madhav Tiwari earlier in the ongoing IPL 2026. Tiwari has impressed one and all in the last two games and picked 2-27 against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Sunday.

The right-arm seamer accounted for dangerous Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Shubham Dubey to play a key role in restricting RR to 193-8. Earlier, in the previous match against Punjab Kings, the youngster bagged 2-40 in his quota of four overs and also played a crucial cameo of 8-ball 18. Thus, he was awarded Player of the Match for his all-round performance.

Tiwari made his IPL debut in 2025 season against Mumbai Indians but has really impressed in the ongoing edition.

Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “The first question, and the only question, I want to ask Delhi Capitals is this: how did it take so long for this guy to get onto the field? How could you not give a player like him (Madhav Tiwari) an opportunity earlier? Where were you hiding him? He has been sitting in this team since last year. And I noticed two things. First, the skill he has shown. And second, his mindset. He bowls with intelligence.”

The former off-spinner recalled the mid innings interview when Tiwari told Harsha Bhogle confidently about chasing the target of 194. Ashwin said the youngster has the skills to go a long way in his career.

He concluded, “In the mid-match interview, Harsha Bhogle asked him something, and there is another thing about him that might even annoy some people. I have seen this before, when a guy is confident and also intelligent, many people do not like it much. But this guy has both intelligence and confidence. Harsha asked him if they could make 190, and he immediately replied that they would get there. He spoke with that kind of confidence, and I really enjoyed seeing that confidence. This guy has the skill to go a very long way.”

Delhi Capitals will next take on Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday.