New Zealand leg-spinner Adithya Ashok is ready to put his India experience to the test when the Black Caps take on India in the upcoming three-match ODI series, starting January 11 in Baroda.

Ashok, 23, spent a couple of weeks training at the CSK Academy in Chennai in 2025, an experience he believes has given him a valuable base understanding of Indian conditions. Born in Vellore, Ashok moved to New Zealand with his family at the age of four and has remained deeply connected to his Tamil roots.

As a tribute to his late grandfather, Ashok has a tattoo on his bowling arm that reads “En vazhi thani vazhi” (My way is a unique way), a famous punchline from a film starring Rajinikanth. The spinner has said the line holds special meaning as it reminds him of watching Rajinikanth movies with his grandfather during his final days.

Learning in Chennai

Ashok described his time at the CSK Academy as eye-opening, particularly in understanding Indian pitch conditions.

He trained under Sriram Krishnamurthy, learning how red-soil and black-soil pitches behave—conditions very different from the pace-friendly surfaces he usually encounters in New Zealand.

Against a formidable Indian batting line-up featuring Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Ashok hopes those lessons will prove useful.

“I don’t think it guarantees success, but it gives you a base understanding. It builds your library as a cricketer, which is really important,” Ashok said during a virtual media interaction.

Inspired by Shane Warne, Guided by Ish Sodhi

Ashok lists Shane Warne as his all-time favourite leg-spinner. Closer to home, he credits Ish Sodhi as a mentor and “big brother” figure in New Zealand cricket.

He also draws guidance from Tarun Nethula, another Indian-origin spinner, and former New Zealand cricketer Paul Wiseman, who supported him through a difficult back injury that required surgery.

A Special Series

The upcoming ODI series in India holds special significance for Ashok, offering him a chance to test his skills in the country of his birth. While he continues to wait for extended opportunities in T20Is, the leg-spinner has made it clear that his long-term ambition remains playing Test cricket.