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Xtra Time Web Desk : Team India and Rajasthan Royals off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday opened up on several facts right before the start of the Indian Premier League. From being able make his comeback into the T20 set-up to crossing Kapil Dev in terms of Test wickets, the 35 year old was candid throughout his statements.

"In the past 2-3 years especially, the feeling has been great, with series' wins in Australia, comeback into the T20 team, it almost feels like how I felt when I first broke into the team, wherein a lot has been going on for me," said Ashwin in a release when asked about his comeback into Team India's T20 set-up.

The 35-year-old spinner, who will represent his fifth franchise in IPL after being roped in by Rajasthan Royals, said the lucrative T20 tournament has helped him develop into a better cricketer from its onset.

"The IPL is a tough tournament, there are a lot of variables leading into every season which can have an impact. Dew, pitches, the opposition, you name it and there's a variable that can impact a game in different ways - which makes it a challenge to prepare for things in advance and you've got to be ready at all times," Ashwin said in a release issued by RR.

Being one of the senior-most players, Ashwin also shed some light on his potential role in the RR.

"I feel contribution to a team is far beyond than just contributing on the ground. I've always been a person who enjoys talking about cricket and have been very open in terms of having a discussion with anyone around the sport.

"With my experience and communication skills, I'll try to have discussions with anyone who wants to have a discussion and help to the best of my ability, hopefully making a difference to the squad from within," he said.