Adithya Ashok is quickly emerging as a name to watch in New Zealand cricket. The 23-year-old leg-spinner, who recently dismissed Indian captain Shubman Gill in the 1st ODI, is not just making headlines for his bowling—but also for the unique journey that brought him here.
Born in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Adithya moved to New Zealand with his family at the age of four. Raised in Auckland, his early years were shaped by a blend of Indian heritage and Kiwi cricket culture. He represented New Zealand in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, but it was his breakthrough 2023 season in domestic cricket that put him on the radar. Playing for Auckland in the Plunket Shield, he took 7 for 103 against Northern Districts—a performance that earned him the Young Cricketer of the Year award.
His international debut came in August 2023 in a T20I against the UAE. However, a back injury soon after forced him out of action for several months. Determined to return stronger, Ashok spent several weeks training at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) academy in 2025 to prepare for subcontinental conditions—a move that is already showing dividends.
Ashok’s connection to India runs deeper than birthplace. A passionate fan of Tamil cinema legend Rajinikanth, he has the phrase “En vazhi thani vazhi” (My way is a unique way) tattooed on his bowling arm. The quote, from the film Padayappa, holds deep emotional meaning—it was the last movie he watched with his late grandfather.
Following in the footsteps of Indian-born Kiwi spinners like Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel, Ashok represents a growing multicultural fabric in New Zealand cricket. With three ODIs and one T20I to his name, he’s just getting started on the international stage.
His dismissal of Shubman Gill in his third ODI wasn’t just a wicket—it was a statement. From Vellore lanes to Eden Park, Adithya Ashok’s rise is a reminder that cricketing dreams aren’t limited by geography—they’re fuelled by passion, persistence, and pride.
And not to forget, he trained for this India series at the CSK academy. Training on Indian soil, gearing up to face India, wearing a New Zealand jersey, with Tamil words inked on his arm - cricket doesn’t get more global, or more poetic, than this.
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