R Ashwin Explains Why He Can’t Make Nathan Lyon-like ‘Filthy’ Comment

Hritik Gupta

6 months ago

Ravichandran Ashwin shared his viewpoint on Nathan Lyon’s emotional reaction which was honestly expressed in public after he was not included in the Australian squad for the Gabba Test. Lyon’s admission of being “absolutely filthy” at being dropped for the second Ashes Test was shocking, and it brought attention and appreciation to the cricketer’s prowess across the board. The Australian off-spinner’s rare moment of giving in to emotions won over fans who valued his truthfulness and realness even when he was feeling down. Ashwin regards Lyon as a lucky man for having the chance to let out such feelings in public without receiving criticism or negative feedback from the stakeholders.

The event has opened an avenue for a more extensive dialogue about emotional expression in the crackling world of sports and players’ reactions to selection in cricket circles. Lyon’s discontent was so candid that it elicited professional questions about the reason behind the Indian cricket team players’ rare showing of similar emotions when they are dropped from the team.

“Nathan Lyon is lucky”- R Ashwin

Ashwin got really emotional answering that 🥺

He was dropped so many times for a fourth pacer who wouldn’t even bowl 10 overs in the entire match and when he expressed disappointment, was asked to chin up.pic.twitter.com/jcK7WLGqZF

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) December 9, 2025

Nathan Lyon, Australia’s old off-spinner, was upset when he was not a part of the playing XI during a home Test for the first time in the last 13 years. Lyon did not hide his feelings at all when he was posed with a question about being seated on the bench. To him, the decision was plain “filthy”. He is there with others who appreciate and even call him the Australian for his straightforwardness. Ravichandran Ashwin complimented Lyon for being so emotionally honest but he still went on to tell the reasons as to why he cannot act in the same manner.

“Nathan Lyon is lucky. 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,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’.

“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,” he added.

Lyon is expected to make a comeback to the playing eleven for the Adelaide Test starting on December 14.

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