“Playing for different teams, it is difficult to make friends” R Ashwin clarifies his “COLLEAGUES” statement

Ashwin says how constantly playing against International teammates makes it hard to make friends

“Playing for different teams, it is difficult to make friends” R Ashwin clarifies his “COLLEAGUES” statement

Ashwin celebrates a wicket (image from news18)

Veteran all rounder R Aswhin recently in a recent interview spoke about how it was tough to make friends while playing for the Indian Team. Ashwin talked about how his teammates are more like colleagues, not friends. He spoke how the Indian dressing room is filled with players who are striving to start ahead of their teammates instead of just being friends with each other. 

In an interview released today by the Times of India, Ashwin clarified his statement. Ashwin starts off by saying that most people have misunderstood his words and was ready to explain himself. He said due to so much cricket being played throughout the year, many international teammates end up being an opponent in franchise cricket. In long tours earlier, there was more scope for friendship when compared to now.

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Ashwin further says that making friends is possible in the current landscape, but it is much more difficult when compared to early in his career.

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

Ravichandran Ashwin isn’t thinking about selection in the 2023 ODI World Cup and how he enjoys discussing cricket online

R Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin (Source: News18)

When asked about if he has been affected due to him not being selected for the upcoming 2023 World Cup, Ashwin replied that he doesn’t think about it. “The selection of the team is not my job” says Ashwin. “I had decided long back that I would not think about things that are not in my hand a long time ago”. He added that he tries to keep the negativity out of his head and thinking process. Ashwin is a World Cup winner, playing the 2011 World Cup. The 36-year-old wants India to win the upcoming World Cup, even if he’s not a part of the squad.

While talking about how active he is online, he talks about how he used to discuss with only teammates about cricket. But since covid, he has been discussing and analyzing cricket on his Youtube channel or through his X account. He analyses as a player, not an expert and believes this has helped him become a better cricketer. 

Ashwin last featured in the Test series against West Indies, where he picked up 15 wickets in 2 games. India won the first Test, with Ashwin picking up a fifer. The 2nd Test Ashwin scored a half century, but the match was called as a draw due to rain in the last day.

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