Former Indian national cricket team player Ravichandran Ashwin has fired on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for taking all the limelight during his playing days. He said he always wanted to change the narrative of people saying he played under the shadow of hitters.
Ravichandran Ashwin is arguably one of the biggest match-winners produced by the Indian national cricket team. The all-rounder single-handedly won many matches for the team and helped them reach great heights, especially in the longest format of the game.
Ravichandran Ashwin retired as a legend of the game
Ravichandran Ashwin retired as a legend of the game, as his impact on the game and Indian cricket was immense. The all-rounder had a very high profile in the game, but it is fair to say that he did not have the same appreciation and support as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
With the kind of contributions Ravichandran Ashwin has made to the Indian national cricket team, it is fair to say that if he had achieved it in another country; He would have been considered bigger than the game. But being in India, where batsmen usually get more support, Ashwin has always been in the shadow of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and others.
People outside who think that everyone plays a supporting role are very wrong – Ravichandran Ashwin
While mentioning Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Ashwin said he always wanted to change the narrative of people who think other players play as support batsmen. Speaking on the Sky Sports Podcast, he explained:
“A lot of people talk about… when they talk about Indian cricket, that's the one thing I want to change over the years. They talk about Virat Kohli. They used to talk about Rohit a lot over the years. When I was growing up, I talked a lot about Sachin, I talked about a lot of stars and celebrities.
“But one message I would like to leave, I want to leave on this podcast or for everyone, and I wanted to change constantly, is not the fact that these are not good cricketers, but the people out there who think everyone plays support team are very wrong.”
I am the best player not Rohit, Virat Kohli – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin mentioned that every player has his own journey and claimed that he is the best player in his parents' life and not Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. He said that cricket is the most important thing and he is the best player. He explained:
“Because this is a sport and everyone's journey. Because the best player in my life, for my father or mother, I am the best player and not Rohit or Virat or anyone else out there. Likewise, everyone's journey is unique and they are the best.” The protagonist is on their journey.
“So it's very important to realize that, and for me, you've always been my best player. That's why I never hesitate to give away my thoughts or talk about what I feel in my mind. Because cricket is the most important thing and I am the best player in My cricket.”