Ravichandran Ashwin’s MLC debut forces Haris Rauf out of San Francisco Unicorns XI

Ravichandran Ashwin’s Major League Cricket journey finally got underway on June 20, but his much-awaited debut came with a major selection twist. The San Francisco Unicorns handed the veteran Indian off-spinner his first MLC appearance against Texas Super Kings, while Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf was left out of the playing XI.

Ravichandran Ashwin had missed the Unicorns’ tournament opener against the Los Angeles Knight Riders as part of the franchise’s workload management plan. However, with the team returning for their second game in Dallas, the former India star was drafted straight into the XI as San Francisco made two changes.

Ravichandran Ashwin makes MLC debut

The biggest talking point ahead of the clash was undoubtedly Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion. San Francisco Unicorns captain Matthew Short confirmed at the toss that the veteran spinner would make his debut for the franchise.

“We are bowling. Obviously a fresh wicket for the tournament. It looks a little bit tacky underfoot as well, so hopefully make the most of those conditions here and hope it dries out a little bit later on,” Short said.

When asked about Ashwin’s availability, the skipper added: “He’s in, yes. He’s making his debut for us today, which is really exciting. We all know who he is and what he’s done for Indian cricket. It’s awesome to have him here in the States playing for the Unicorns.”

Ashwin replaced one of the overseas options in the lineup, while Connor Esterhuizen also came into the side for Ollie Peake. More importantly, Haris Rauf was not named in the playing XI, indicating that the franchise preferred an additional spin-bowling option on a surface expected to offer grip and assistance.

Ravichandran Ashwin performs poorly on MLC debut

Unfortunately for Ravichandran Ashwin, his first outing in MLC did not go according to plan. The off-spinner was introduced in the fourth over and was immediately targeted by Texas Super Kings batters Milind Kumar and Rilee Rossouw. Milind welcomed him with a slog-swept six over fine leg before launching another maximum straight down the ground in the same over.

Ravichandran Ashwin leaked 15 runs in his opening over and failed to regain control when he returned later in the innings. Rossouw struck a boundary against him during his second spell as well.

The veteran finished with figures of 0/24 from two overs at an economy rate of 12.00, failing to pick up a wicket on debut. It was far from the ideal start for one of India’s greatest spinners.

Haris Rauf performed horribly in San Francisco Unicorns’ MLC 2026 opener

Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion came just one game after Haris Rauf endured a forgettable outing against Los Angeles Knight Riders.

The Pakistan pacer struggled badly with both line and length. He bowled multiple wides early in his spell and was later taken apart by Colin Munro and Jason Holder during the chase.

Rauf’s most expensive over cost 23 runs, with Holder smashing two sixes and a four. He eventually finished with figures of 0/38 from 2.4 overs as LAKR chased down the target comfortably in a rain-shortened contest.

Given those expensive returns, San Francisco Unicorns appear to have opted for a different combination against Texas Super Kings, with Ashwin coming into the side and Rauf missing out. While Ashwin’s debut did not produce immediate success either, the franchise will hope the experienced Indian can settle quickly as the tournament progresses. Also, San Francisco Unicorns registered a 7-wicket win over TSK.