Legendary Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that several IPL teams who denied the signing of Aussie star Tim David ahead of the mega auction.

Tim David who was released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the auction but didn’t attract much attention when he joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 3 crore.

It was Sunrisers Hyderabad who initiated the bid for the Aussie power-hitter, but they backed out early as RCB sealed the player.

Tim David made a notable impact in RCB’s line up giving his finsher role. He also amassed 187 runs at an impressive average of 62.33 while maintaining a strike rate of 185.15.

Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that when he told IPL teams to keep a close eye on David they declined his suggestion.

“I shouldn’t say this but I told the decision makers of a few IPL teams to pick him before the last auction. They all said, ‘No, his game has dropped off drastically ‘,” said Ashwin.

“I believe the future of T20 cricket is going to be having tall batters with long lovers and strong build. They are going to rule the roost if there are no changes brought to the wide line,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

The 29 year old has also been incredible form with the Australian team this year. He has smashed 265 runs in 5 matches at a strike rate of 212.00. He also slammed his maiden T20I century against West Indies, and the Aussies team management has started promoting him up the batting order.

“A player RCB picked up at base price (INR 3 crore) has taken his game to the next level. It’s good to see Australia sending him up the order. A real steal for RCB.”

Despite his brilliant form, David missed the RCB’s last league game and Qualifier 01 and finals due to injury. He was replaced in the final by Liam Livingstonewho scored 25 runs off 15 deliveries.

Tim David has been in fine form in the T20Is this year and is currently the Australia’s leading T20I-run getter this year. From just four innings, he has scored 265 runs at an average of 88.33 and a blistering strike rate of 212.