Veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin recently lauded a young Karnataka batter, Ravichandran Smaran, for his stellar performances on the domestic circuit. However, Ashwin, who shares the same name as the budding cricketer, clarified that they are not related. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin dismissed any assumptions about a family connection, despite their shared surname.
Ashwin Praises Ravichandran Smaran’s Domestic Success
Ashwin, known for his sharp cricketing insights, named Smaran as a rising star to watch in Indian cricket. Smaran’s impressive statistics, including a remarkable average of 72.16 with 433 runs in 10 List-A matches, have made him a standout performer. Most recently, Smaran played a crucial role in Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy campaign, scoring a stunning double century in their match against Punjab, helping his team secure a commanding win.
“Smaran is a left-handed batter from Karnataka who has been in excellent form,” Ashwin said. “He performed exceptionally well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Karnataka Premier League and carried that momentum into the Ranji Trophy. Scoring a double hundred is no small feat. I am sure IPL teams are closely watching him.”
No Family Connection, Says Ashwin
Despite his glowing praise for Smaran, Ashwin was quick to address misconceptions about their relationship. “He has Ravichandran in his name, but we are not related. I want to clarify this because I don’t want people to think I’m biased. It doesn’t work like that in South India,” Ashwin explained, putting to rest any rumors of a familial link.
Smaran’s IPL Prospects Brighten
Ashwin expressed confidence that Smaran’s domestic achievements will attract the attention of IPL franchises. “He’s a talented player, and his recent performances have surely caught the eye of many teams. It’s only a matter of time before he gets his break in the IPL,” Ashwin predicted.
Ashwin’s Retirement Shocks Cricket World
Ashwin, who recently retired from international cricket, continues to stay connected with the game through his YouTube channel. The announcement of his retirement after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy took the cricketing world by surprise. Although Ashwin did not play in the final Test in Brisbane, his contributions to Indian cricket over the years remain undeniable.
In his last series, Ashwin featured in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide, scoring 29 runs and taking one wicket. Earlier, he played in India’s home series against New Zealand, which marked the team’s first Test series loss at home in over a decade. Despite his retirement, Ashwin remains a keen observer of the domestic circuit, showcasing his deep understanding of the game and its emerging talents.
Ravichandran Smaran’s journey is just beginning, and with players like Ashwin supporting and recognizing young talents, Indian cricket’s future looks brighter than ever.
