Ravichandran Ashwin was expected to be India’s vice-captain with Ajinkya Rahane captain once Virat Kohli departed from Australia. The seasoned off-spinner has shown characteristics of a leader several times in the past in his successful Test career. Still, first Cheteshwar Pujara and then Rohit Sharma was appointed as India’s vice-captain in the Test series against Australia ahead of Ashwin.
Ashwin was ignored as Rahane’s deputy that startled several cricket enthusiasts. The experienced Ashwin has finally reacted about now being selected as India’s vice-captain against Australia. Ashwin revealed that he was not disappointed with not getting the vice-captaincy as he always focuses on making his plans when he steps on the field.
Ravichandran Ashwin Reacts After Being Overlooked As Vice-Captain
The successful spinner also added that he sets his field while bowling and always gets the support of his captain and vice-captain. Ashwin thinks that leadership is something when a player can help his teammates whenever any crucial situation arises.
“I am not at all disappointed (at not getting vice-captaincy). I go out there and make my own plans and get my fields that I want. The captains and vice-captains that I have played with have been very supportive of whatever I have wanted. Leadership is also about leading yourself and keeping your space upbeat for any situation that arises. If you can help another teammate that’s also leadership”, said Ashwin in a select media interaction (via Cricbuzz).
Meanwhile, Ashwin also had his say on the unwanted captaincy comparisons made between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane after India’s series win. He affirmed that both Kohli and Rahane have their individual style of leading the Indian side and are completely different from each other.
“I am totally blown away by the kind of comparisons people like to make when it comes to captaincy. I feel this Indian team has had some wonderful results in the past because of quality players and human beings in the dressing room”.
“Virat is more expressive, communicative and in your face while Rahane doesn’t do these three things. But the way they captain the side is pretty much similar”, said Ravichandran Ashwin.
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