PremiumCall after criticism: R Ashwin has conversation with ex-Indian spinner after online critique
All eyes will be on R Ashwin to see if he can overcome the doubts and criticisms surrounding his inclusion.
Last Updated: 03.28 PM, Oct 01, 2023
The stage was set, and the teams were locked in for the much-anticipated ODI World Cup 2023. India, like all participating nations, had meticulously assembled their squad well ahead of the event. However, fate had other plans, and an unfortunate injury sidelined all-rounder Axar Patel, creating an unexpected void in the team.
The Indian team management swiftly needed to find a suitable replacement, and their choice raised many eyebrows. They turned to Ravichandran Ashwin, a seasoned spinner known for his exploits in Test cricket, but a relatively infrequent presence in the shorter formats. Ashwin was summoned to join the ODI series against Australia, and his performances led to a surprising inclusion in the World Cup squad.
This decision stirred the cricketing world, prompting widespread debates and scepticism about Ashwin's ability to perform in the fast-paced 50-over format. Critics questioned whether the veteran spinner, who had excelled in Test cricket, could seamlessly transition to the ODI setup after a prolonged absence.
As the World Cup's commencement drew nearer, former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan added fuel to the fire. Sivaramakrishnan publicly expressed reservations about Ashwin's bowling action, raising concerns about its lack of synchronization with the demands of ODI cricket.
"This picture has gone viral on SM. Enlarge the image and you notice his non-bowling arm and upper body has opened up towards the offside. If you look at his lower body is closed. This leads to a lack of synchronisation. Ash quickly needs to correct this to be more effective," Sivaramakrishnan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
His comments sparked a social media frenzy, with cricket enthusiasts and experts alike joining the discourse. Amid the heated discussions, Ravichandran Ashwin chose a different path and instead of engaging in a war of words, decided to seek counsel from the former India star. Ashwin initiated a conversation with Sivaramakrishnan, demonstrating his eagerness to improve and adapt to the ODI format. Not just that, the Indian all-rounder also clarified that those who were trolling Siva had nothing to do with him.
"Ravi Ashwin was nice enough to call me just a while ago to discuss his bowling action, he was as shocked with the venom of the trolls as I was. Also clarified that the people involved are in NO WAY connected to him. GOOD LUCK @ashwinravi99. Do us proud," he posted in the second tweet.
As the ODI World Cup 2023 is all set to unfold, all eyes will be on Ravichandran Ashwin, watching closely to see if he can overcome the doubts and criticisms surrounding his inclusion.