Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, is preparing for an arduous 10-Test stretch for the national team, starting with the home series against Bangladesh. As he approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, Ashwin remains confident that future generations will surpass his achievements.In a recent interview with veteran cricket journalist Vimal Kumar, Ashwin acknowledged the legacy of Indian spinners that preceded him, including Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. "I am fortunate to have inherited their legacy and built upon it," he said. "My success is a testament to their contributions."Ashwin emphasized the constant evolution of the game, citing the Indian Premier League (IPL) as an example. "The salaries in the IPL will continue to rise in the future," he said. "The world is constantly progressing."Ashwin, who currently holds the top spot in the ICC Test all-rounder rankings, believes that his own achievements will eventually be eclipsed. "I will eventually retire, and someone else will take my place," he said. "It's like a relay race, where each runner contributes to the overall success."Ashwin expressed his conviction that future spinners will surpass his accomplishments. "I am certain that someone better than me will emerge," he said. "The game will continue to evolve, and new players will bring their own unique skills and innovations."Ashwin's comments reflect his humility and his understanding of the cyclical nature of sports. He recognizes that his own success is built upon the foundation laid by previous generations, and he expects future players to build upon his legacy.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have emerged as two of the most formidable spinners in Indian cricket history. Their partnership has been instrumental in India's success on numerous occasions, with both players ranking among the top wicket-takers for the national team.While Ashwin and Jadeja often bowl in tandem in home conditions, Jadeja is typically preferred over Ashwin in overseas Tests. In a recent interview, Ashwin addressed this dynamic, stating that he does not harbor any jealousy towards his teammate."You are talking about jealousy," Ashwin said. "It's not Jadeja's fault that I'm not playing. I don't have the kind of jealousy where I would wish to keep him out just to play myself."Ashwin went on to lavish praise on Jadeja, calling him the "most talented cricketer" he has ever seen. "Jadeja is the most talented cricketer I've seen; everything about him is natural," Ashwin said. "Over the years, our relationship has improved as we've learned to understand each other's differences."Ashwin emphasized the importance of clear communication with players who are not in the playing XI to avoid misunderstandings. "It's crucial to handle players who are not playing with clarity and reassurance," he said. "If someone is replaced, it's not about fault but about opportunity and team dynamics."Ashwin also stressed the need for internal inspiration rather than external comparisons. "The focus should be on internal inspiration rather than external comparisons," he said. "We need to overcome the conditioning that leads to jealousy."Ashwin's comments highlight the importance of camaraderie and mutual respect within a team environment. By acknowledging Jadeja's talent and downplaying any perceived rivalry, Ashwin demonstrates a mature and professional approach to the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the star Indian off-spinner, has expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma will remain loyal to the Mumbai Indians franchise in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Ashwin's comments come amidst speculation about Rohit's future with the team following his removal as captain last year."Even if you think like Rohit, it's not wrong at all. I don't want any headache. I have been a captain for India. I have captained Mumbai many times. Even if I am not a captain, I am going to Mumbai happily. If I play for Mumbai, it's super. I am sure most players are like that. After a stage, money doesn't matter for some of those players. That's the thing," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.Rohit has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians since joining the franchise in 2011. He has led the team to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles. Despite being replaced as captain by Hardik Pandya last year, Rohit remains a key player for the franchise.In the 2024 IPL season, Rohit scored 417 runs at an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 150. He scored a century and fifty, with the best score of 105*. His performances suggest that he is still a valuable asset to the Mumbai Indians.Ashwin's comments echo the sentiments of many fans who believe that Rohit will continue to play for the Mumbai Indians. The franchise has been his home for over a decade, and he has a strong bond with the team and its supporters.It remains to be seen whether Rohit will remain with the Mumbai Indians beyond the 2025 season. However, Ashwin's comments suggest that the veteran batter is committed to the franchise and is not looking to move elsewhere.

Ravichandran Ashwin Baffled by Pakistan's Collapse Against BangladeshIndian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his astonishment at Pakistan's dramatic defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at Rawalpindi. Pakistan's capitulation on the final day, losing for the first time ever to Bangladesh in Tests, has left Ashwin perplexed.Pakistan captain Shan Masood's decision to declare the first innings at 448, despite losing only six wickets, has been a major talking point. On a flat wicket, Bangladesh went on to post a higher total, before Pakistan's batting collapsed in the second innings."Teams don't surrender on a pitch like this. In first-class cricket, strong teams will bat first and hit big," said Ashwin on his YouTube channel. "When I saw the highlights of the match, I understood that it was a proper, tiring collapse on the final day. I haven't seen that for a long time."Ashwin was particularly critical of Pakistan's lower order, who failed to provide any support to Mohammad Rizwan, who was the star of Pakistan's batting throughout the match."In the end, when Mohammad Rizwan was staging a fight, Naseem Shah played a shot and got out cheaply. I did not understand what happened. There was nothing on the pitch," said Ashwin.Former South Africa performance analyst Prasanna Raman, known as 'PDogg', who often joins Ashwin for his videos, was equally scathing in his critique of Pakistan's batting."Bangladesh have no mystery spinners or wrist spinners. There is no threat. If you can't bat for four sessions on a pitch like that at home, it can mean only one thing. Division 1 and Division 2 cricket needs to be brought in. Otherwise, Test cricket in Pakistan will be destroyed," said Raman.Pakistan will have a chance to redeem themselves in the second Test against Bangladesh, which begins on August 30 at Rawalpindi. However, they will need to show a significant improvement in their batting if they want to avoid another embarrassing defeat.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has unveiled his all-time IPL XI, featuring a formidable lineup with a strong Indian presence. The team boasts seven Indian players, including some of the most iconic names in the tournament's history.At the top of the order, Ashwin has opted for the explosive duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the most prolific run-scorers in IPL history. They are followed by Suresh Raina, the "Mr. IPL," who has consistently delivered for Chennai Super Kings.The middle order is anchored by Suryakumar Yadav, Mumbai Indians' "Mr. 360," known for his versatility and ability to score runs all around the wicket. The legendary Ab de Villiers, a former Royal Challengers Bangalore star, adds further firepower to the lineup.Behind the stumps, Ashwin has chosen MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain and Chennai Super Kings icon, as his wicket-keeper and captain. Dhoni's leadership skills and experience make him an invaluable asset to any team.In the spin department, Ashwin has picked the world-class duo of Sunil Narine and Rashid Khan. Narine, a mystery spinner from the West Indies, has been a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders, while Khan, an Afghan leg-spinner, has impressed with his variations and wicket-taking ability.The pace attack features three Indian stalwarts: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Lasith Malinga. Kumar, a swing bowler, has been a consistent performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Bumrah, a fast bowler, has established himself as one of the best in the world. Malinga, a Sri Lankan legend, brings a wealth of experience and his signature yorkers to the team.Ashwin's all-time IPL XI is a formidable lineup that combines experience, skill, and versatility. It is a testament to the depth of talent that has graced the IPL over the years.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to return for its 16th season, but the fate of the controversial 'Impact Player' rule remains uncertain. Despite calls for its removal, several players and experts have expressed their support for its retention.Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, believes the rule adds strategic value to the game. "It gives a little more value for strategy," he said. "The other side of that argument is it doesn't encourage all-rounders. But no one is stopping them."Former India pacer Zaheer Khan, now the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants, echoed Ashwin's sentiments. "I'm all for it," he said. "It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents."Khan emphasized the rule's positive impact on young players. "That opportunity goes a long way with improving Indian cricket on the whole," he said. "The time spent in match time, it's something you cannot beat."However, not all players are convinced. Virat Kohli, the former India captain, has criticized the rule for disrupting the game's balance. Rohit Sharma, the current India skipper, has also expressed his reservations.The 'Impact Player' rule allows teams to substitute a player during the match, providing tactical flexibility. However, critics argue that it undermines the role of all-rounders and disrupts the flow of the game.As the IPL auction approaches, teams will be weighing the pros and cons of the rule. While some may see it as an opportunity to bolster their squads with versatile players, others may prefer to stick with traditional team compositions.The ultimate decision on the rule's future lies with the IPL Governing Council. With the tournament set to begin in March, the fate of the 'Impact Player' rule will be closely watched by fans and players alike.

IndiGo's Seat Blocking Controversy: Ashwin Joins Bhogle in CriticismIndian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has joined cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle in criticizing IndiGo Airlines over its handling of seat blocking issues. Ashwin recently shared his own experience with the airline, claiming that despite paying for blocked seats, the management still allotted them to someone else."This is becoming a regular menace @IndiGo6E," Ashwin wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "My recent experience with them through a third-party booking platform was terrible. They make you pay and then end up doing whatever they choose to do."Ashwin's comments come after Bhogle narrated an incident where an elderly couple was forced to run around the plane despite blocking their desired seats in advance. Bhogle highlighted the lack of consideration for elderly passengers and the airline's casual attitude towards their discomfort.In response to Bhogle's complaint, IndiGo Airlines issued a statement expressing regret for the inconvenience caused and claiming that the crew intervened to ensure the passengers traveled comfortably in their assigned seats. However, Ashwin's experience suggests that the issue is systemic and not an isolated incident.The controversy has raised concerns about the airline's customer service and its commitment to passenger comfort. Blocking seats in advance is a common practice among travelers who wish to secure their preferred seating arrangements, especially for elderly or disabled passengers. However, if airlines can arbitrarily change these arrangements without prior notice or explanation, it undermines the purpose of seat blocking and creates unnecessary stress for passengers.IndiGo Airlines has been facing criticism for its handling of various issues in recent months, including flight delays, cancellations, and poor customer service. The seat blocking controversy has further damaged the airline's reputation and raised questions about its ability to provide a reliable and comfortable travel experience.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming 10-Test season, with the Bangladesh series next month marking his first under the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Ashwin holds Gambhir in high regard, describing him as one of the "heroes" of Indian cricket."Gautam is someone I still share a very good relationship with," Ashwin said. "He's a very straightforward and honest guy. I think he's one of those guys that we should always be backing. He's a hero of Indian cricket."Ashwin's early cricketing journey was shaped by WV Raman, his first state team coach. Raman, who was also a contender for the India head coach role, played a pivotal role in Ashwin's development."People can give you a helping hand, but they cannot guide you through your career," Ashwin said. "You have to be open to fresh ideas. WV allowed me the freedom to express myself and try new things. He taught me how and on what path I need to travel, but he never said, 'This is the path you need to travel upon.'"Ashwin emphasized the importance of self-reliance in cricket. "If you don't have awareness of your own game and if you can't teach yourself, I think you are always going to be dependent on someone, which is a very dangerous part," he said. "I am not saying people with coaches don't do well in life, but there is a chance of selling yourself short."Ashwin believes that getting a second opinion is beneficial, but ultimately, cricket is a self-taught sport. "You have to be open to learning from others, but you also have to be able to trust your own instincts," he said.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the enigmatic Indian cricketer, has emerged as a multi-faceted personality beyond the realm of the sport. From his engineering background to his literary pursuits, Ashwin's life is a testament to his versatility and fearlessness.As an engineer, Ashwin's analytical mind has translated into his cricketing prowess. He approaches the game with a system optimizer's mindset, constantly seeking ways to improve his performance and exploit the weaknesses of his opponents. This ability to process multiple computations simultaneously, known as parallel processing, has given him an edge on the field.Ashwin's journey from bowling carrom balls on Chennai's streets to becoming India's premier spinner has been marked by resilience and a refusal to play safe. He has faced criticism head-on, using it as fuel to drive his success. His 516 Test wickets stand as a testament to his unwavering determination.Beyond cricket, Ashwin has carved a niche for himself as an author. His book, "I Have The Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story," chronicles his life up to 2011 and offers a glimpse into his mind. It explores the complexities of his childhood insecurities and how he overcame them to become the confident and outspoken voice he is today.Ashwin's fearlessness extends beyond the cricket field. He believes in taking risks and embracing failure as a necessary part of growth. This philosophy has led him to venture into new territories, including a successful YouTube channel where he shares his insights on cricket and life.The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for Ashwin's personal and professional evolution. It gave him the opportunity to reassess his priorities and realize the importance of living in the moment. This newfound perspective has fueled his creativity and allowed him to express himself more freely.Ashwin's success is not without its lessons. He emphasizes the importance of being fearless and seeing the fun side of risks. He believes that the world is not always fair, but that it is possible to learn from both positive and negative experiences.