Ravichandran Ashwin’s recent social media post has set the internet abuzz with speculation about a possible rift within the Indian cricket team. The veteran off-spinner, who announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this month, addressed online trolls following India’s dramatic loss in the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne.
A Gritty Fightback Amid Collapse
On the final day of the Test, India faced a steep challenge after losing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli cheaply. However, Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal mounted a spirited resistance, building an 88-run partnership that gave the visitors a glimmer of hope.
Despite their efforts, the Indian batting lineup imploded, losing the last seven wickets for just 34 runs, leaving Australia with a comfortable 184-run victory. The defeat handed Australia a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with only the Sydney Test remaining.
Ashwin Praises Youngsters, Sparks Controversy
Following the match, Ashwin took to X (formerly Twitter) to acknowledge the resilience shown by Pant and Jaiswal. In his post, he remarked, “Good leaders emerge when they show resolve for a scrap.”
However, some users interpreted his comment as a veiled criticism of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who failed to make an impact in the second innings. This led to a barrage of trolling in the comments section.
Ashwin Issues Clarification
Reacting to the backlash, Ashwin clarified his statement, asserting that his post was not directed at anyone with a fan club. “This tweet isn’t for people who own fan clubs,” he wrote, adding laughing emojis to diffuse the situation.
Despite his explanation, the cryptic nature of his comments fueled rumours of discord within the Indian camp.
India’s WTC Final Hopes in Jeopardy
The loss in Melbourne has further complicated India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. With a win percentage (PCT) now at 52.78, India’s path to the final at Lord’s looks increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, Australia’s PCT has risen to 61.46, making them strong contenders for a spot.
South Africa has already secured their place in the WTC final after a victory over Pakistan in the first Test of their series.
The Road Ahead
India’s performance in the Sydney Test will be crucial. A win would allow them to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they secured in the previous series. However, the team must also address the questions surrounding its senior players and the growing concerns about internal unity.
As speculation continues to swirl, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see how Team India responds to the pressure both on and off the field.
