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Tamil Nadu native returns as New Zealand’s spin weapon
The ODI series is a golden opportunity for young Adithya Ashok who is likely to get a solid starting position in a squad that misses many Kiwi veterans.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Fri, 09, Jan 2026
- 23:55 EST
- 54
Adithya Ashok showing his Tamil tattoo / Adithya Ashok via Instagram
As the New Zealand side landed in Vadodara to kick-off the ODI series between India and New Zealand, one name stood out in particular, Adithya Ashok. The Tamil-Nadu born young Kiwi leg-spinner is about to face his native land for the first time on Jan. 11.
The 23-year-old right-arm leg-spinner was born and raised in Vellore until age four, when he moved to New Zealand with his family.
Growing up in Auckland, he went on to represent the local domestic side, played for New Zealand in the 2020 U19 World Cup, and made his professional debut in a T20 match for Auckland in December 2021 at just 19-years-old.
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India holds a special place in the young spinner's heart, other than attending spin-training camps in the country, he also frequented the country to meet friends and family. Ashok even has a tattoo saying, "En vazhi thani vazhi," which translates to "My way is a unique way." The tattoo is a famous Rajnikanth dialogue and is an ode to not just the actor but also his late grandfather with whom he watched the movie.
Ashok has been picked in the Michael Bracewell-led 15-man squad for the 50-over series, which lacks several first-choice players with a focus on the 2026 T20 World Cup. While this is not great news for the Kiwis, it is a golden opportunity for Ashok, who would be looking to play all three matches, scheduled to take place in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore.
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