Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Australia’s intent and ambition in T20 cricket after their disappointing early elimination from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Led by Mitchell Marsh, the side suffered back-to-back defeats against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in the group stage, missing out on a Super 8 berth.
Australia endured a difficult campaign throughout, plagued by injuries and inconsistent performances. They were without frontline pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, while key players like Marsh and Adam Zampa also struggled with fitness concerns.
It marks the third straight edition in which Australia have failed to reach the knockouts. They were eliminated in the Super 12 stage at home in 2022 and exited in the Super 8 stage in 2024 after defeats to Afghanistan and India. Ravichandran Ashwin said Australia have the talent to win T20 World Cups but lack enough effort and hunger.
“Would you believe it that Australia have not made the top eight? Australia have not been great in T20 World Cups. Are they taking these T20 World Cups seriously? I know they didn’t have Cummins and Hazlewood, I know Starc is also done. I’m not sure Australia are making enough attempts in terms of wanting to capture something in these T20 World Cups,” he said on his YouTube channel.
“For a cricketing nation that has got so much potential, quality and depth, I just think if they put a concise effort, we will start seeing better Australian teams at the T20 World Cup. I really don’t think they really stood a chance in this particular T20 World Cup. I was looking forward to an India-Australia clash in the Super 8,” he added.
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Ravichandran Ashwin criticized Australia’s team management for leaving out the in-form Steve Smithfrom both the squad and playing XI, while also expressing concern over their weakened bowling attack.
“They should have actually put Steve Smith in the squad, in the playing XI. Australia were always going to come underdone in their bowling department. No experience, Xavier Bartlett is just about coming through. I think he is exceptionally skilled. Nathan Ellis is a very good bowler, but is a very restrictive bowler,” Ashwin added.
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