Ravichandran Ashwin started off with a few conventional off-breaks before unleashing the vicious carrom balls.
Is India having a ‘home advantage’ in the ongoing Champions Trophy? “Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy and they were knocked out of the tournament. They have no business talking about (India’s) home advantage,” Ashwin was in top fettle at RevSportz’s Trailblazers 3.0 Conclave.
He went on: “At the 2023 World Cup, we were the team that travelled the most. Winning matches is down to playing good cricket.”
It was a blockbuster session at the RevSportz’s Trailblazers 3.0 Conclave on Sunday, hosted by RevSportz’s Editor-in-Chief Boria Majumdar and Subhayan Chakraborty
The session was titled – Cricketers As Storytellers.
Why did Ashwin retire midway through the series in Australia? “The moment I started playing cricket, I decided that it would be my decision to walk away. I stand against everything that is selfish for Indian cricket and sport. I don’t want to stay away from my home, carrying drinks. Make no mistake—I’m not demeaning it. I would be happy to carry drinks for CSK, but only for a specific time of the year.”
Is India favourites in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand? “I’m nervy about the Champions Trophy final. New Zealand played really well in the semi-final. It’s a matter of immense pride that India have made back-to-back ICC finals. We are on the cusp of achieving something very special. New Zealand doesn’t cry about the conditions. They make best use of their resources,” said Ashwin.
Is India still a good Test team? What about the five-Test series in England later this year? Ashwin emphatically defended the Test side. “The Indian Test team is in a much better position compared to the other Test teams. Senior players need to be around to guide the youngsters. Batters don’t win you a Test series alone. Bowlers need to step up. Where is the next Bumrah and Shami?”
Ashwin also backed Virat Kohli to play for at least two more years. “He (Kohli) has a couple of years ahead of him. I have no reason to doubt him, he is fit and he can contribute immensely to a side that is very young.”
Deep Dasgupta was the other panellist and about India’s performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy, he said: “India have an advantage because they are a really good side. Nothing else matters.”