Ravichandran Ashwin, a renowned figure in Indian cricket and the most successful off-spinner in the nation's history, recently expressed his reservations regarding the entrenched superstar culture associated with the national team. He emphasized that Indian cricketers should not be elevated to the status of demigods, as remaining relatable to ordinary fans is crucial for the sport's integrity. With an impressive tally of 765 international wickets across all formats, Ashwin underscored the importance of athletes maintaining down-to-earth personas.
In a statement on his Hindi YouTube platform, 'Ash Ki Baat', Ashwin articulated that remarkable performances, such as centuries scored by eminent players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, need to be regarded as standard occurrences instead of sensational achievements. He posited that these players have already accomplished significant milestones in their careers, rendering such feats almost routine.
The off-spinner highlighted the necessity of normalizing expectations surrounding Indian cricketers by rejecting the notion of celebrity status, as they are primarily athletes, not entertainers or film stars. Ashwin advocated for athletes who resonate with everyday individuals, making it easier for fans to identify with them. The former international cricketer's perspective aligns with recent sentiments expressed by Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. Gambhir also criticized the emphasis on individual stardom, steering the focus instead towards collective efforts and team success.
Gambhir’s extensive career, where he played alongside icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble, has fueled his ambition to shift the narrative away from superstardom in Indian cricket. In articulating this vision, he aims to foster a culture that prioritizes teamwork over personal accolades.
Expounding on his viewpoints, Ashwin insisted that for players of immense talent, such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, scoring centuries should become a normal aspect of their game, separating individual achievements from the larger objectives of the team. He contended that these milestones ought to be viewed as part of an athlete’s routine, rather than moments worthy of extraordinary celebration. Ashwin asserted that the overarching goal should always be the triumph of the team, particularly in major tournaments, rather than focusing excessively on individual accomplishments.
In addition to his concerns about the culture surrounding star players, Ashwin also scrutinized the Indian selectors’ recent decision to include five spinners in the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, a tournament scheduled to commence in Pakistan on February 19. The selection of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Varun Chakravarthy has raised eyebrows, particularly when considering the conditions expected in Dubai.
Ashwin articulated his skepticism, questioning the rationale behind fielding five spinners in a venue known for typically favoring pacers. He expressed that this selection could be excessive and may compromise the overall balance of the team. With Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja regarded as the team's standout all-rounders, alongside Hardik Pandya, Ashwin indicated that their roles could overlap. He suggested that if two left-arm spinners are selected, it inherently limits room for additional spinners like Varun Chakravarthy while necessitating adjustments in the pace bowling lineup.
The off-spinner expounded on his perspective on team composition. He noted that should the selectors wish to retain Varun Chakravarthy, they would either need to exclude a pace bowler to accommodate Hardik Pandya in a dual role or reduce the spinner count to introduce a third seamer into the mix. This approach highlights Ashwin's keen insight into team dynamics and emphasizes the necessity for strategic decision-making based on conditions and match contexts.
Shifting focus, Ashwin's distinguished career has culminated in 537 Test wickets from 106 matches, 156 ODI wickets from 116 matches, and 72 wickets in 65 T20Is. His decision to retire abruptly from international cricket following a drawn Test against Australia in Brisbane marks the conclusion of a celebrated journey that spanned 14 years. This decision points to a thoughtful and purposeful transition as he moves onto the next chapter of his life, continuing to contribute to the cricketing fraternity off the field.
Overall, Ashwin’s remarks encapsulate a broader discourse about the nature of stardom and the expectations placed on athletes. By fostering a culture that emphasizes relatability and the importance of teamwork, he hopes to inspire a new generation of cricketers to prioritize the interests of the sport and its passionate fanbase above individual accolades. Such a shift can potentially reshape the future landscape of Indian cricket, encouraging players to embody the values of humility and unity while pursuing excellence on the field.