Australia’s star off-spinner Nathan Lyon recently made headlines after he openly admitted feeling “absolutely filthy” when he was dropped for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. His honest reaction spread quickly on social media. Fans praised his openness. It also started a wider debate on why Indian players rarely speak out when they are left out of the team.
This topic was raised with India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat. Ashwin did not avoid the question this time. Instead, he gave a clear and honest explanation about the culture inside Indian cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin shares honest view on emotions and consequences in Indian cricket
“Nathan Lyon is lucky,” Ashwin said. “If anyone is dropped from the team, the emotions would be similar to what Lyon expressed in front of the world. He got the media to express his views, and he did just that. The Australian team wouldn’t feel bad, and he would play the Adelaide Test. I am just happy for Nathan Lyon.”
Ashwin then explained why Indian players cannot react in the same way.
“People have emotions, and they will do just that. However, I cannot express my emotions, because if I do, I will lose out, and only my harm will be caused. So why will I do that? However, I really respect Nathan Lyon; he let his emotions out. Good on him.”
According to Ashwin, Indian cricketers are not stopped from speaking. But they must think about the impact of their words.
“We, as Indian cricketers, are allowed to express our opinion. No one is stopping us. But what is collateral damage? Your expression and emotion are not given as much respect because you will be stamped as a person of a certain character for doing that. I hope this will change with the passage of time, and it should.”
Ashwin also compared Indian culture with foreign players using a strong example.
ALSO READ Virat Kohli to Play Vijay Hazare Trophy After 15 Years, DDCA Confirms
“Just take the example of Chris Gayle… He himself said, ‘I am the Universe Boss’, and we accepted that. Now imagine, tomorrow, Abhishek Sharma comes to the press conference wearing a big chain and exclaims to the world, ‘I am the Universe Boss’. Will we accept him? No. Because in our mind, there is a conditioning that we need to credit someone else, no matter how hard we have worked. I hope that really changes.”
Ashwin’s words have once again started an important discussion in Indian cricket circles.
