2 months ago
Ravichandran Ashwin believes Rishabh Pant needs to show greater awareness of match situations and take more responsibility with the bat, despite the wicketkeeper-batter putting together a respectable series against Sri Lanka.
Pant finished the two-Test series with 168 runs and two half-centuries. However, Ashwin feels the numbers do not tell the complete story and wants the India batter to exercise more judgement when deciding how to attack.
Pant's aggressive approach has come under scrutiny over the past few months, with questions being raised about whether he sometimes takes unnecessary risks and fails to put enough value on his wicket.
The former India spinner pointed to Pant's dismissal against South Africa in Guwahati last year as an example. While captaining India in the absence of Shubman Gill, Pant charged down the track against Marco Jansen and edged the delivery to the wicketkeeper.
Pant is currently a Test-only player for India after falling out of favour in the white-ball formats. Ashwin believes his decision-making in Test cricket remains an area that needs attention.
"My expectation from Rishabh Pant hasn't been fulfilled till now. I am very sorry. Sonal Dinusha had his strike rate up there. But the difference is high-risk options. When you have the game in your hand, these are all statements: 'That's how Rishabh plays.' It is about what your team needs," Ashwin said on 'Ash Ki Baat'.
During the discussion, the host argued that Pant's unique ability and his history of producing match-winning performances meant he should be given some freedom to play his natural game.
Ashwin, however, insisted that even an exceptional player cannot be exempt from the demands of the situation.
"Rishabh played a class knock in Sydney and Brisbane, but you couldn't have won that match without Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur. It takes 11 cricketers to build a Test and win it in the last session of the game, but it takes only 1 moment of foolishness to lose a Test," said Ashwin.
The former off-spinner clarified that his criticism was not directed at Pant's attacking style itself. Instead, he wants the batter to recognise when the situation demands a different approach.
"I am just talking about the times when these chances are being taken when the game is on the line. I love Rishabh the player. It is about playing situations in this format. Sehwag and Gilchrist played high brand of cricket, but these two don't get edged out while dancing down to Marco Jansen when your team is trailing by 500 runs. Don't place these marketing lines in front of me ever again," he added.
Ashwin also called for more straightforward feedback for Pant, arguing that his status as a special talent should not shield him from criticism.
The former India spinner pointed out that Pant has now played 50 Tests and believes his experience means he should be expected to take greater responsibility.
"Don't give one player special treatment. Thi
Pant finished the two-Test series with 168 runs and two half-centuries. However, Ashwin feels the numbers do not tell the complete story and wants the India batter to exercise more judgement when deciding how to attack.
Pant's aggressive approach has come under scrutiny over the past few months, with questions being raised about whether he sometimes takes unnecessary risks and fails to put enough value on his wicket.
The former India spinner pointed to Pant's dismissal against South Africa in Guwahati last year as an example. While captaining India in the absence of Shubman Gill, Pant charged down the track against Marco Jansen and edged the delivery to the wicketkeeper.
Pant is currently a Test-only player for India after falling out of favour in the white-ball formats. Ashwin believes his decision-making in Test cricket remains an area that needs attention.
"My expectation from Rishabh Pant hasn't been fulfilled till now. I am very sorry. Sonal Dinusha had his strike rate up there. But the difference is high-risk options. When you have the game in your hand, these are all statements: 'That's how Rishabh plays.' It is about what your team needs," Ashwin said on 'Ash Ki Baat'.
During the discussion, the host argued that Pant's unique ability and his history of producing match-winning performances meant he should be given some freedom to play his natural game.
Ashwin, however, insisted that even an exceptional player cannot be exempt from the demands of the situation.
"Rishabh played a class knock in Sydney and Brisbane, but you couldn't have won that match without Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur. It takes 11 cricketers to build a Test and win it in the last session of the game, but it takes only 1 moment of foolishness to lose a Test," said Ashwin.
The former off-spinner clarified that his criticism was not directed at Pant's attacking style itself. Instead, he wants the batter to recognise when the situation demands a different approach.
"I am just talking about the times when these chances are being taken when the game is on the line. I love Rishabh the player. It is about playing situations in this format. Sehwag and Gilchrist played high brand of cricket, but these two don't get edged out while dancing down to Marco Jansen when your team is trailing by 500 runs. Don't place these marketing lines in front of me ever again," he added.
Ashwin also called for more straightforward feedback for Pant, arguing that his status as a special talent should not shield him from criticism.
The former India spinner pointed out that Pant has now played 50 Tests and believes his experience means he should be expected to take greater responsibility.
"Don't give one player special treatment. Thi
3 months ago
NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has opened up about an incident that led to his expulsion from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru in 2000.
Harbhajan, who was among the first group of trainees at the NCA, recalled how he tore up a diet chart after repeatedly complaining that the food being served did not match the prescribed diet. He said the incident was later used as the reason for his removal.
Harbhajan said the NCA had a fixed diet plan for its trainees, but the food served did not follow the chart. According to him, repeated complaints did not lead to any change.
The former India spinner said his frustration eventually boiled over and he tore the diet chart.
"Waha se mujhe nikaal diya gaya. Woh meri galti nahi thi. Main aaj bhi is baat ko khule aam kehta hoon, kyunki woh hamara haq tha. Jo hamara khaana tha, woh achha nahi tha. [They removed me from there. It was not my mistake, I say this openly even today. It was our right. The food was not good there]," the former India spinner said on cricketnextofficial.
"Wahan jo rules aur regulations the, woh yahi the ki humein bahut kuch padhaya ja raha tha, sikhaya ja raha tha. Ek chart lagaya tha, ***** ein tha ki ye diet honi chahiye, expert ki diet ke hisaab se humein woh diet milni chahiye. Lekin woh khaana mil nahi raha tha. [Back then, the rules and regulations were such that we were told and taught a lot, and a chart was put up for the diet. But we were not getting food as per that diet. Despite complaining many times, the food did not improve. So one day I tore that chart. This was my only mistake, that I tore the chart]" Harbhajan said.
Harbhajan said he believed his decision to speak up was necessary because the problems with the diet plan would not have been addressed otherwise.
"But maybe till someone does something like this, things don't change. I was fighting for the rights. If I had not stood up, even today the same diet plan would have been followed. The plan changed, I was also removed, that is a different thing, but it was not my fault. There were some people in the BCCI who did not want someone who could stand up and question them," Harbhajan added.
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Harbhajan went on to become one of India's most successful spinners. He represented India from 1998 to 2016 and finished his international career with more than 700 wickets across formats.
He played 103 Tests and took 417 wickets, including 25 five-wicket hauls and five 10-wicket match hauls.
In 236 ODIs, Harbhajan claimed 269 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls. He also played 28 T20Is and took 25 wickets.
#diet #chart
Harbhajan, who was among the first group of trainees at the NCA, recalled how he tore up a diet chart after repeatedly complaining that the food being served did not match the prescribed diet. He said the incident was later used as the reason for his removal.
Harbhajan said the NCA had a fixed diet plan for its trainees, but the food served did not follow the chart. According to him, repeated complaints did not lead to any change.
The former India spinner said his frustration eventually boiled over and he tore the diet chart.
"Waha se mujhe nikaal diya gaya. Woh meri galti nahi thi. Main aaj bhi is baat ko khule aam kehta hoon, kyunki woh hamara haq tha. Jo hamara khaana tha, woh achha nahi tha. [They removed me from there. It was not my mistake, I say this openly even today. It was our right. The food was not good there]," the former India spinner said on cricketnextofficial.
"Wahan jo rules aur regulations the, woh yahi the ki humein bahut kuch padhaya ja raha tha, sikhaya ja raha tha. Ek chart lagaya tha, ***** ein tha ki ye diet honi chahiye, expert ki diet ke hisaab se humein woh diet milni chahiye. Lekin woh khaana mil nahi raha tha. [Back then, the rules and regulations were such that we were told and taught a lot, and a chart was put up for the diet. But we were not getting food as per that diet. Despite complaining many times, the food did not improve. So one day I tore that chart. This was my only mistake, that I tore the chart]" Harbhajan said.
Harbhajan said he believed his decision to speak up was necessary because the problems with the diet plan would not have been addressed otherwise.
"But maybe till someone does something like this, things don't change. I was fighting for the rights. If I had not stood up, even today the same diet plan would have been followed. The plan changed, I was also removed, that is a different thing, but it was not my fault. There were some people in the BCCI who did not want someone who could stand up and question them," Harbhajan added.
IDundefined Caption not available.
IDundefined Caption not available.
IDundefined Caption not available.
Harbhajan went on to become one of India's most successful spinners. He represented India from 1998 to 2016 and finished his international career with more than 700 wickets across formats.
He played 103 Tests and took 417 wickets, including 25 five-wicket hauls and five 10-wicket match hauls.
In 236 ODIs, Harbhajan claimed 269 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls. He also played 28 T20Is and took 25 wickets.
#diet #chart
3 months ago
The Inner Circle 24 ignited Bangkok's iconic Lumpinee Stadium with another heart-racing Asia primetime event packed with explosive finishes and unforgettable performances this past Friday, July 31.
This members-only card featured four high-octane Muay Thai and MMA bouts, which streamed exclusively on live.onefc.com from "The Madison Square Garden of the East." With three of the four bouts ending in highlight-reel fashion, the show delivered non-stop thrills from beginning to end.
A new bantamweight MMA king was crowned in the main event, as Azerbaijani-Russian destroyer Elbek Alyshov turned off Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu's lights in the second round.
Alyshov dropped the Mongolian ******* leholder with a thunderous uppercut in the clinch, and then he followed up with relentless ground-and-pound to force the referee to wave off the contest. That spectacular performance earned him the ONE Bantamweight MMA World ******* le, as well as a US$50,000 performance bonus.
The co-main event featured another impressive display, as 19-year-old Lebanese sensation Ramadan "The Scorpion" Ondash continued his meteoric rise. Ondash edged out fellow teen star Johan "Jojo" Ghazali in a razor-close flyweight Muay Thai battle to claim a hard-fought split-decision victory.
#four #bouts
This members-only card featured four high-octane Muay Thai and MMA bouts, which streamed exclusively on live.onefc.com from "The Madison Square Garden of the East." With three of the four bouts ending in highlight-reel fashion, the show delivered non-stop thrills from beginning to end.
A new bantamweight MMA king was crowned in the main event, as Azerbaijani-Russian destroyer Elbek Alyshov turned off Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu's lights in the second round.
Alyshov dropped the Mongolian ******* leholder with a thunderous uppercut in the clinch, and then he followed up with relentless ground-and-pound to force the referee to wave off the contest. That spectacular performance earned him the ONE Bantamweight MMA World ******* le, as well as a US$50,000 performance bonus.
The co-main event featured another impressive display, as 19-year-old Lebanese sensation Ramadan "The Scorpion" Ondash continued his meteoric rise. Ondash edged out fellow teen star Johan "Jojo" Ghazali in a razor-close flyweight Muay Thai battle to claim a hard-fought split-decision victory.
#four #bouts
3 months ago
ONE Championship is capping off a spectacular month with a pair of high-octane events at "The Madison Square Garden of the East."
The world's largest martial arts organization will broadcast The Inner Circle 24 and ONE Friday Fights 164 live in Asia primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, July 31.
In the headline attraction of The Inner Circle 24, which streams exclusively on live.onefc.com, Netflix's Physical: Asia star Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu will make his first ONE Bantamweight MMA World ****** le defense against undefeated challenger Elbek Alyshov.
Plus, 19-year-old sensations Johan "Jojo" Ghazali and Ramadan "The Scorpion" Ondash will put their friendship aside and throw down in a flyweight Muay Thai co-main event showdown.
Then, get ready for ONE Friday Fights 164. In the main event, surging Thai veteran Watcharaphon Laochokcharoen will go head-to-head with three-time ISKA Kickboxing World Champion Akram "La Pépite" Hamidi.
#thai
The world's largest martial arts organization will broadcast The Inner Circle 24 and ONE Friday Fights 164 live in Asia primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, July 31.
In the headline attraction of The Inner Circle 24, which streams exclusively on live.onefc.com, Netflix's Physical: Asia star Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu will make his first ONE Bantamweight MMA World ****** le defense against undefeated challenger Elbek Alyshov.
Plus, 19-year-old sensations Johan "Jojo" Ghazali and Ramadan "The Scorpion" Ondash will put their friendship aside and throw down in a flyweight Muay Thai co-main event showdown.
Then, get ready for ONE Friday Fights 164. In the main event, surging Thai veteran Watcharaphon Laochokcharoen will go head-to-head with three-time ISKA Kickboxing World Champion Akram "La Pépite" Hamidi.
#thai
3 months ago
For 21 grueling years, Azerbaijani-Russian sensation Elbek Alyshov has poured his heart and soul into martial arts.
However, the true motivation pushing him through the daily grind isn't the intoxicating allure of fame, legacy, or even the glimmer of 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold. It is a profoundly simple vision: putting a permanent roof over his family's head.
That quiet but incredibly powerful purpose will be front and center when the undefeated challenger faces reigning ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion "The Tormentor" Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu at The Inner Circle 24.
The massive World ******* le showdown broadcasts live in Asia primetime on Friday, July 31, from Bangkok's historic Lumpinee Stadium, exclusively for subscribers at live.onefc.com.
Ahead of the defining moment of his career, Alyshov spoke with genuine honesty about the life-changing dream that could permanently transform the trajectory of his loved ones' lives.
#World #live #russian #bantamweight
However, the true motivation pushing him through the daily grind isn't the intoxicating allure of fame, legacy, or even the glimmer of 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold. It is a profoundly simple vision: putting a permanent roof over his family's head.
That quiet but incredibly powerful purpose will be front and center when the undefeated challenger faces reigning ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion "The Tormentor" Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu at The Inner Circle 24.
The massive World ******* le showdown broadcasts live in Asia primetime on Friday, July 31, from Bangkok's historic Lumpinee Stadium, exclusively for subscribers at live.onefc.com.
Ahead of the defining moment of his career, Alyshov spoke with genuine honesty about the life-changing dream that could permanently transform the trajectory of his loved ones' lives.
#World #live #russian #bantamweight
3 months ago
Undefeated and uncompromising, Elbek Alyshov steps into the brightest spotlight of his career at The Inner Circle 24 with absolutely no intention of leaving without the coveted 26 pounds of gold.
The surging 27-year-old Azerbaijani-Russian challenges ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion "The Tormentor" Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu in the blockbuster main event on Friday, July 31, with the division's most coveted prize hanging in the balance.
The highly anticipated World ****** le showdown streams exclusively for members at live.onefc.com from Bangkok's historic Lumpinee Stadium.
To Alyshov, Baatarkhuu is the ultimate blueprint of what relentless ambition and an unbreakable will can build on the world's largest martial arts stage.
The Mongolian ****** leholder's ascent has been nothing short of legendary. A Road to ONE: Mongolia winner and a breakout sensation on Netflix's hit series Physical: Asia, Baatarkhuu permanently sealed his place in history by submitting former divisional king Fabricio "Wonder Boy" Andrade to become his country's historic second ONE World Champion.
#historic #elbek
The surging 27-year-old Azerbaijani-Russian challenges ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion "The Tormentor" Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu in the blockbuster main event on Friday, July 31, with the division's most coveted prize hanging in the balance.
The highly anticipated World ****** le showdown streams exclusively for members at live.onefc.com from Bangkok's historic Lumpinee Stadium.
To Alyshov, Baatarkhuu is the ultimate blueprint of what relentless ambition and an unbreakable will can build on the world's largest martial arts stage.
The Mongolian ****** leholder's ascent has been nothing short of legendary. A Road to ONE: Mongolia winner and a breakout sensation on Netflix's hit series Physical: Asia, Baatarkhuu permanently sealed his place in history by submitting former divisional king Fabricio "Wonder Boy" Andrade to become his country's historic second ONE World Champion.
#historic #elbek
3 months ago
Mayank Yadav's return to international cricket could hardly have gone better, and former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the young fast bowler deserves patience after overcoming a difficult spell with injuries.
Playing his first international match since October 2024, Mayank announced his comeback in style during the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare. The speedster was named Player of the Match after producing a match-winning spell that began with a wicket off the very first ball of the contest.
Mayank removed Brian Bennett for a duck with a hard-length delivery that straightened after pitching, forcing an outside edge that was safely taken behind the stumps. He continued to test Zimbabwe's batters with his pace and discipline, dismissing Dion Myers during the powerplay to leave the hosts under immediate pressure. His spell laid the platform for India's commanding bowling display.
The performance marked a significant moment in the pacer's career after an injury-plagued period stalled his rapid rise. Initially fast-tracked into the Indian side as part of the team's long-term plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Mayank spent the past two years battling recurring fitness issues that repeatedly interrupted his progress.
Speaking on 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin reflected on the challenges of returning from multiple injuries and urged fans to avoid judging players too quickly.
"It is not easy to go through a stress fracture at a young age. We often see and think, why is he always retained? He is always injured. We easily tell this. No player plays to get injured. Injury can be very painful. It is not just physical but also a mental barrier, especially if you are injured twice. It is not easy on the body. If it resurfaces, it plays on your mind. Mayank Yadav has a lot of time and is exceptionally talented. I want him to play more," he said on 'Ash ki Baat'.
Ashwin also acknowledged India's convincing start to the series and congratulated new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer on securing his maiden victory as skipper.
"Congratulations to Shreyas for the first win. He would have been searching for it. There is not a lot to see when you restrict Zimbabwe to 120-odd. Mayank, Prince, and Ashok all got an opportunity," he said.
Mayank's impressive return has not only revived India's pace options but also reinforced why he continues to be viewed as one of the country's most exciting fast-bowling prospects when fully fit.
#ashwin #first #baat
Playing his first international match since October 2024, Mayank announced his comeback in style during the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare. The speedster was named Player of the Match after producing a match-winning spell that began with a wicket off the very first ball of the contest.
Mayank removed Brian Bennett for a duck with a hard-length delivery that straightened after pitching, forcing an outside edge that was safely taken behind the stumps. He continued to test Zimbabwe's batters with his pace and discipline, dismissing Dion Myers during the powerplay to leave the hosts under immediate pressure. His spell laid the platform for India's commanding bowling display.
The performance marked a significant moment in the pacer's career after an injury-plagued period stalled his rapid rise. Initially fast-tracked into the Indian side as part of the team's long-term plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Mayank spent the past two years battling recurring fitness issues that repeatedly interrupted his progress.
Speaking on 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin reflected on the challenges of returning from multiple injuries and urged fans to avoid judging players too quickly.
"It is not easy to go through a stress fracture at a young age. We often see and think, why is he always retained? He is always injured. We easily tell this. No player plays to get injured. Injury can be very painful. It is not just physical but also a mental barrier, especially if you are injured twice. It is not easy on the body. If it resurfaces, it plays on your mind. Mayank Yadav has a lot of time and is exceptionally talented. I want him to play more," he said on 'Ash ki Baat'.
Ashwin also acknowledged India's convincing start to the series and congratulated new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer on securing his maiden victory as skipper.
"Congratulations to Shreyas for the first win. He would have been searching for it. There is not a lot to see when you restrict Zimbabwe to 120-odd. Mayank, Prince, and Ashok all got an opportunity," he said.
Mayank's impressive return has not only revived India's pace options but also reinforced why he continues to be viewed as one of the country's most exciting fast-bowling prospects when fully fit.
#ashwin #first #baat
4 months ago
NEW DELHI: Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly criticised the selectors for leaving Sanju Samson out of India's T20I squad for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour, calling the decision "just unfair". Ashwin also warned that frequent changes in the team could create insecurity among players and hurt India's T20 setup.
Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said he completely disagreed with the decision.
"I mean, what can I even say? It's just unfair. Just unfair. I don't agree with it. But it is what it is. I mean, I don't know. Seriously, it's difficult."
Ashwin questioned the logic behind dropping Samson after a few poor scores and wondered who would be next if the team continued to lose.
"Sanju has been dropped because of losses and form. He has been left out. We've already lost two games. If we lose again, will someone else be dropped too? Who is next? That's wrong. I really hope the Indian team finds itself. Indian cricketers should not be put in an insecure position."
Samson's omission has become one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter, who was named Player of the Tournament at this year's T20 World Cup, managed scores of 5, 0 and 1 in his last three innings against Ireland and in the opening T20I against England.
Samson was replaced in the playing XI by 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and was later left out of the Zimbabwe-bound squad.
Ashwin said such decisions can make players think more about protecting their place than winning matches.
"As I had said earlier after the SKY incident, players will go insular. They will start thinking only about themselves. In T20 cricket, that is disastrous."
"If batters start thinking that they will be dropped if they don't score runs, they will begin playing only to protect their place in the team, which is extremely dangerous."
Ashwin added that even if Samson gets another opportunity, the pressure of keeping his place could affect the way he bats.
"Even now I'm saying, imagine Sanju gets another chance. He too will start thinking about himself. And you can't even say that's wrong."
"If Sanju scores 45 or 48 off 25 **** and takes two more deliveries to reach his fifty, you can't say that's wrong because he is trying to protect his place in the team. I really hope... I really hope they find a solution to this."
Ashwin further argued that a good domestic season should not automatically guarantee an India call-up, while responding to suggestions that players like Prabhsimran Singh deserved opportunities after impressive performances.
"In our TNPL team, there's a player named Hunny Saini. He's a very good player and an excellent finisher. He also wants a chance. There's BR Sharad from Bengaluru Dragons, who is playing well too. If you're asking when they should get an opportunity, then send them to Zimbabwe as well. I'll send Hunny Saini too."
"See, I have all the time for Prabhsimr
Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said he completely disagreed with the decision.
"I mean, what can I even say? It's just unfair. Just unfair. I don't agree with it. But it is what it is. I mean, I don't know. Seriously, it's difficult."
Ashwin questioned the logic behind dropping Samson after a few poor scores and wondered who would be next if the team continued to lose.
"Sanju has been dropped because of losses and form. He has been left out. We've already lost two games. If we lose again, will someone else be dropped too? Who is next? That's wrong. I really hope the Indian team finds itself. Indian cricketers should not be put in an insecure position."
Samson's omission has become one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter, who was named Player of the Tournament at this year's T20 World Cup, managed scores of 5, 0 and 1 in his last three innings against Ireland and in the opening T20I against England.
Samson was replaced in the playing XI by 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and was later left out of the Zimbabwe-bound squad.
Ashwin said such decisions can make players think more about protecting their place than winning matches.
"As I had said earlier after the SKY incident, players will go insular. They will start thinking only about themselves. In T20 cricket, that is disastrous."
"If batters start thinking that they will be dropped if they don't score runs, they will begin playing only to protect their place in the team, which is extremely dangerous."
Ashwin added that even if Samson gets another opportunity, the pressure of keeping his place could affect the way he bats.
"Even now I'm saying, imagine Sanju gets another chance. He too will start thinking about himself. And you can't even say that's wrong."
"If Sanju scores 45 or 48 off 25 **** and takes two more deliveries to reach his fifty, you can't say that's wrong because he is trying to protect his place in the team. I really hope... I really hope they find a solution to this."
Ashwin further argued that a good domestic season should not automatically guarantee an India call-up, while responding to suggestions that players like Prabhsimran Singh deserved opportunities after impressive performances.
"In our TNPL team, there's a player named Hunny Saini. He's a very good player and an excellent finisher. He also wants a chance. There's BR Sharad from Bengaluru Dragons, who is playing well too. If you're asking when they should get an opportunity, then send them to Zimbabwe as well. I'll send Hunny Saini too."
"See, I have all the time for Prabhsimr
5 months ago
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly defended teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following the criticism that emerged after the youngster's altercation with Sri Lankan players during the tri-series final in Dambulla.
The incident took place after India's defeat in the Super Over and quickly became a major talking point among fans and experts. However, Ashwin believes the reaction has been excessive and warned against turning criticism into personal attacks on a young cricketer still learning the demands of the international game.
Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin questioned why so many people were quick to target Sooryavanshi over a single moment.
"All we can do is talk with hate. And what happens then? If the person we are hating eventually reads those things, it might affect them a little. But what do we achieve by talking like that? That is why I am saying this. How can you hate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?"
Ashwin also pushed back against those demanding greater maturity from the teenager, reminding critics that age and experience must be taken into account before passing judgement.
"Tell me, how can anyone hate him? And everyone is saying, 'This kid should have shown maturity. He should have spoken with more maturity.' Have we forgotten that we too were children once? Have we forgotten that there are children like that in our own families? This is a very dangerous trend," he added.
The former off-spinner went on to explain the difference between constructive criticism and hatred, arguing that the two are often confused in modern sporting discussions.
"What is criticism? If today you are hosting the show and I tell you, 'Vimal bhai, I didn't like the hosting so much today. Maybe we can pay attention here. Maybe this question could have been asked differently. Maybe this point could have been handled differently.' That is criticism. Criticism means finding a path for someone to move forward and improve. But what is hatred? Hatred is when somebody has achieved something, and we keep attacking them with words. We keep trying to pull them down. That does not happen," said Ashwin.
With Sooryavanshi potentially set for his India debut in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, Ashwin urged supporters and critics alike to allow the youngster to develop without the weight of constant scrutiny.
"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a cricketer. He performs for us. He is an entertainer with immense skill. Forget his family, his well-wishers, his fans and the team management for a moment. As a lover of the sport, I just want him to enjoy cricket and play without pressure. After playing cricket for so many years, I've realised that playing freely, without baggage, is one of the hardest things to do. As long as we can give him that freedom, let him enjoy himself. Whether he succeeds or fails doesn't matter. The way he plays is a spectacle. Let the kid enjoy himself," said Ashwin.
The backing from Ashwin co
The incident took place after India's defeat in the Super Over and quickly became a major talking point among fans and experts. However, Ashwin believes the reaction has been excessive and warned against turning criticism into personal attacks on a young cricketer still learning the demands of the international game.
Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin questioned why so many people were quick to target Sooryavanshi over a single moment.
"All we can do is talk with hate. And what happens then? If the person we are hating eventually reads those things, it might affect them a little. But what do we achieve by talking like that? That is why I am saying this. How can you hate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?"
Ashwin also pushed back against those demanding greater maturity from the teenager, reminding critics that age and experience must be taken into account before passing judgement.
"Tell me, how can anyone hate him? And everyone is saying, 'This kid should have shown maturity. He should have spoken with more maturity.' Have we forgotten that we too were children once? Have we forgotten that there are children like that in our own families? This is a very dangerous trend," he added.
The former off-spinner went on to explain the difference between constructive criticism and hatred, arguing that the two are often confused in modern sporting discussions.
"What is criticism? If today you are hosting the show and I tell you, 'Vimal bhai, I didn't like the hosting so much today. Maybe we can pay attention here. Maybe this question could have been asked differently. Maybe this point could have been handled differently.' That is criticism. Criticism means finding a path for someone to move forward and improve. But what is hatred? Hatred is when somebody has achieved something, and we keep attacking them with words. We keep trying to pull them down. That does not happen," said Ashwin.
With Sooryavanshi potentially set for his India debut in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, Ashwin urged supporters and critics alike to allow the youngster to develop without the weight of constant scrutiny.
"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a cricketer. He performs for us. He is an entertainer with immense skill. Forget his family, his well-wishers, his fans and the team management for a moment. As a lover of the sport, I just want him to enjoy cricket and play without pressure. After playing cricket for so many years, I've realised that playing freely, without baggage, is one of the hardest things to do. As long as we can give him that freedom, let him enjoy himself. Whether he succeeds or fails doesn't matter. The way he plays is a spectacle. Let the kid enjoy himself," said Ashwin.
The backing from Ashwin co
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