Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest spin bowlers, has spoken out against the growing celebrity culture within Indian cricket, urging for a shift in how players are perceived. The 38-year-old believes that cricketers should not be idolized as demigods but rather seen as athletes who are relatable to the public. Through his YouTube show, Ash ki Baat, Ashwin voiced his concerns, emphasizing the need to normalize the way players are treated in the country.
“We must normalize all these things going forward. We are not actors or superstars. We are sportspersons, and we must be someone that the common people should resonate with and can compare themselves with,” Ravichandran Ashwin stated.
Having announced his international retirement in December 2024 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin ended his career with an impressive tally of 765 wickets across formats. Reflecting on his journey, he insisted that the culture of treating cricketers as superstars should not be encouraged, as it creates unnecessary pressure and an unrealistic aura around players.
ALSO READ: Michael Vaughan Questions Sparse Pakistan Crowd At Champions Trophy Opener
“It is important to normalize things in Indian cricket. We must not encourage this superstardom and super celebrities within the Indian cricket team,” he reiterated.
Ravichandran Ashwin also pointed out that the achievements of modern-day greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should be viewed in the context of their already illustrious careers.
“If you are a Rohit Sharma or a Virat Kohli, who has achieved so much, when you hit one more century, it is not just about your achievement anymore. It should be business as usual, and our goals should be bigger than these achievements,” he said.
Beyond the cultural aspects of Indian cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin also expressed his concerns regarding India’s squad composition for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The veteran spinner questioned the team’s decision to include five spinners, particularly considering the conditions in Dubai.
WATCH – Abrar Ahmed Stuns Devon Conway With Brilliant Delivery In Champions Trophy Opener
“Five spinners in Dubai? I don’t know. I think we are one spinner too many if not two,” he remarked. “If you want Varun Chakaravarthy in the team, you will have to make a pacer sit out and use Hardik as your second pacer. Else you will have to drop a spinner to bring in a third seamer,” he added.
India is set to begin their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on February 20, facing Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. Having lost the previous edition’s final to Pakistan in 2017, the Rohit Sharma-led squad will be eager to make amends and reclaim the prestigious ICC title.
