Adithya Ashok is a cricketer shaped by Indian and Kiwi influences. He was born in Vellore, but was raised in Auckland, and refined through elite coaching setups of both India and New Zealand.
Ashok is set to play only his third ODI and his first in the country of his birth as New Zealand take on India in Vadodara on Sunday.
He has honed his skills at the Chennai Super Kings Academy and now, as part of the senior Kiwi squad, Ashok is preparing for his first India tour.
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Speaking after New Zealand’s opening training session ahead of Sunday’s ODI series opener, Ashok admitted that he was excited about the opportunity ahead.
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“I am very excited to potentially represent my country and also represent the people who have helped me along my journey,” Adithya said.
“I am very excited to play in India as well. It’s an amazing opportunity. You always hear from players who have been here before about the atmosphere and the love for the game, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
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Who is Adithya Ashok?
Off the field, Ashok often attracts attention for the Tamil tattoo on his right arm. It is inspired by a line from a classic film starring Rajinikanth. The phrase, “En vazhi thani vazhi”, meaning “my way is a unique way”, is a quote from the movie Padayappa.
Ashok's grandfather was a guide to him, and his principles have shaped the cricketer's values and identity.
“We had a very personal conversation about values, morals, and things that meant a lot to him. We were talking at our family home, the television was on, and that Rajini film happened to be playing in the background,” he recalled.
“That’s where it came from. People ask me about it, but it’s a very personal thing. That conversation meant a lot to me. My grandfather passed away soon after, so it’s an everlasting memory of what we spoke about. I am very grateful for that moment.”
Ashok is being touted as the successor to Ish Sodhi, and this India trip will test his credentials against some of the greatest and the best in the business.
New Zealand tour of India schedule
| Date | Host city | Fixture |
| Jan. 11, 2026 | Vadodara | 1st ODI |
| Jan. 14, 2026 | Rajkot | 2nd ODI |
| Jan. 18, 2026 | Indore | 3rd ODI |
| Jan. 21, 2026 | Nagpur | 1st T2OI |
| Jan. 23, 2026 | Raipur | 2nd T2OI |
| Jan. 25, 2026 | Guwahati | 3rd T2OI |
| Jan. 28, 2026 | Visakhapatnam | 4th T2OI |
| Jan. 31, 2026 | Thiruvananthapuram | 5th T2OI |
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