Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin criticised B Sai Sudharsan’s technique after India suffered an embarrassing 2-0 home series defeat to South Africa. Ashwin felt the left-hander showed no intent while defending, went completely into his shell, and didn’t punish loose deliveries for boundaries.
Sai Sudharsan, who was dropped for the first Test, returned to the XI in Guwahati at No. 3 but couldn’t make a mark. He scored 15 runs in the first innings and then faced 139 balls for only 14 runs in the second innings before Senuran Muthusamy dismissed him with an edge to slip.
Amid discussions about the team environment after the 2-0 loss, Ashwin warned that blaming individuals harms the dressing-room atmosphere, adding that no player can perform with confidence if he feels insecure. In the latest video on his YouTube channel “Ashwin,” he mentioned that:
“It usually happens that when something goes wrong, there is always a scapegoat. But I don’t consider it as a healthy team environment, it’s not a healthy facet. For instance, if I know that there are question marks about my place, I will want to fight and prove my place. I felt let down in the sense that there was no fight.”
“If a player is insecure, he cannot play well. When Senuran Muthusamy came on to bowl, Sai Sudharsan didn’t put away any of the full tosses or short balls for boundaries. He played inside the line and got caught at first slip. There was zero intent in defense. It’s either technical or tactical.”
“Attitude First, Game Second”- Ashwin On Mindset
While discussing how India can improve in Test cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin suggested that domestic batters should get more opportunities to play on turning tracks so they are better equipped for international challenges. He also emphasised that players who show fighting spirit must be supported consistently. In the same video, he added:
“How we can improve is, many people will have their opinions. I feel first-class cricket needs to be better, start playing on turning pitches and make defense solid against spin. A spin and fast-bowling cupboard needs to be readied. IPL performances are being considered but performances for Test exclusively must be considered.”
“Ranji Trophy winners can be given preference. Performance is second but those wanting to stay in the fight must be backed. Attitude brings out performances. My thought process is attitude first and game second. This is a position that Indian team has been in the past, it’s not new. What is the way forward must be looked upon,” he concluded.
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