“What I Said And What People Are Understanding Is Completely Different” – R Ashwin On His Comment About Teammates Being Colleagues

Team India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed that his comment about teammates being colleagues in the modern era is being misunderstood by the fans. His comment was criticised by some fans and former cricketers who found it baffling. However, Ashwin has clarified his statement.

In an interview with the Times of India, Ravichandran Ashwin expressed that in today’s time it’s difficult to be friends with teammates as they constantly play for different teams. He added that his earlier comment was misunderstood by people. Ashwin stated,

“What I said and what people are understanding is completely different. What I meant was that earlier, because the tours used to be long, there was more scope for friendship. But these days we are constantly playing — different formats, different teams. One thing I have always believed is that when you are playing for different teams, it is very difficult to be friends.”

“You have to keep that competitive spirit burning to be able to compete. When you play IPL, for three months your (international) teammates end up becoming your opposition. When you play so much for different teams, I am not saying friendship doesn’t happen, but it is very difficult,” he added.

I try to keep negativity away: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin also opened up about being fallen out of contention for selection in India’s white-ball squads. He expressed that he doesn’t worry about selection as it is not in his hands. The spinner made a return to T20I during the World Cup in Australia last year. However, he hasn’t played any white-ball match for India since the World Cup.

“I don’t think like that, because the selection of the team is not my job. Decided long back that I would not think about stuff that is not in my hand. I am honestly in a very good space in terms of life and my cricket and I try to keep negativity away from my thought process,” Ashwin told the Times of India.

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