Ravichandran Ashwin has never shied away from a conversation, whether it’s about his bowling craft or the emotional side of the game. And now, as he finds himself in the eye of the storm following a rocky return to the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025, the veteran off-spinner has addressed the wave of criticism with trademark clarity and honesty. After a forgettable outing so far—five wickets in five matches at an economy rate nearing 10—Ashwin opened up about the backlash, the venomous trolling, and the support that still matters to him.
Speaking on his YouTube show alongside cricket analyst Prasanna Agoram, Ravichandran Ashwin made it clear: criticism is welcome, but only when it comes from a place of love and genuine concern. “I’m not someone who’s rattled by trolling,” Ashwin said, adding that while he’s used to being targeted, he knows how to separate heartfelt feedback from senseless hate. “It’s easy to spot the difference. I listen to the former and ignore the latter.”
Ashwin, who was bought back by CSK for ₹9.75 crore after nearly a decade, admitted that scrutiny is part of the game. But even now, it’s his father’s blunt words that cut the deepest—and he means that in the best way possible. “My dad still scolds me if I get out playing a loose shot,” Ashwin said, hinting that real accountability comes from family and those who care deeply.
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With CSK languishing at ninth in the table after losing four out of five games, the pressure is mounting. Ashwin has consciously taken a step back from social media, choosing instead to stay immersed in the process of turning things around.
“I go completely offline during tournaments. Even friends texting me to ‘stay strong’… I ask them not to. I don’t want any distractions.” Interestingly, Ravichandran Ashwin stopped reviewing CSK’s matches on his channel after fans accused him of being too casual amid the team’s struggles. “People don’t realize how emotionally involved we are,” he added. “No one goes out to fail.”
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He also praised the loyalty of certain fanbases, recalling a chat with Dinesh Karthik where the RCB keeper described how the Bangalore fans stick by their players no matter what. “That’s real fandom—supporting without abandoning. Constructive criticism is fine. But real fans don’t throw their heroes under the bus.”
Ashwin’s reflections are not just a defense against the noise—they’re a reminder that even seasoned cricketers with decorated careers feel the heat. But like always, he’s taking the tough stretch on the chin and focusing on what matters most: improvement, intent, and playing with heart.
