Fresh hurt from WTC Final snub, R Ashwin feels there is no companionship in Indian cricket; claims “teammates are now only colleagues”

Ashwin has claimed that there is no companionship left among the teammates as they have turned into mere colleagues now.

Fresh hurt from WTC Final snub, R Ashwin feels there is no companionship in Indian cricket; claims “teammates are now only colleagues”

R Ashwin (Image via TOI)

India star off-spinner R Ashwin has made a staggering claim about India’s team culture. Ashwin has claimed that there is no companionship left among the teammates as they have turned into mere colleagues now. The veteran offie compared today’s team culture with that of the initial era when teammates used to be friends.

These claims from Ashwin come after the World Test Championship (WTC) Final snub. Notably, arguably India’s best Test spinner of this era and the current world No.1 was not deemed skillful enough to create an impact on the non-spin-friendly Oval wicket by Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid and was dropped.

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Now, after returning to India, Ashwin has talked about his feelings after he was informed about his snub. Talking to The Indian Express, Ashwin spoke on a plethora of topics. In the same interview, the star cricketer also talked about how the atmosphere in the dressing room has changed dramatically. 

“Once upon a time when cricket was played, all your teammates were friends. Now, they are colleagues. There’s a big difference because here people are there to advance themselves and to stride ahead of another person sitting to your right or left. So, nobody’s got the time to say, ‘Okay, boss what are you up to’?” claimed Ashwin. 

Also Read: “My bowling overseas has been fantastic,” R Ashwin breaks silence on his WTC Final exclusion, takes indirect dig at Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid

R Ashwin claims he never got a long rope

r ashwin icc test ranking
R Ashwin (Image via Indian Express)

The 36-year-old further talked about how a sword always hangs on his head despite having claimed over 450 Test wickets. Ashwin said that he never got a long rope and an assurance from the team management that he will be backed for 15 games straight.

“A lot of people marketed me and positioned me that I am an overthinker. A person who will get 15-20 matches on the go doesn’t have to be mentally overthinking. A person who knows that they will get only two games will be traumatized and will be overthinking because it’s my job,” said Ashwin. 

Notably, Ashwin has never been considered India’s first-choice spinner whenever India toured abroad, especially in SENA countries. Out of 92 matches played, the 36-year-old has played only 24 matches in these four countries. Interestingly, the right-arm off-spinner has 70 wickets in these 24 matches.

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