'What People Are Understanding Are Completely Different': Ashwin Takes U-Turn On Friend-Colleague Remark On Indian Team

Now, two months after his remark, Ashwin took a U-turn and explained that his statements have been misread by people.

Ravichandran Ashwin of India prepares to bat during India training prior to the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023.

Source : Getty

After India’s humiliating defeat at the World Test Championship final against Australia earlier in June and the increasing controversy around the management after they ignored their highest wicket-taker Ravichandran Ashwin from the playing XI, the veteran spinner revealed a shocking reality of the dressing room.  After being dropped, he gave his first interview where he disclosed that there is tough competition for each and every slot in the side and as a result, it has left teammates as only colleagues.

Now, two months after his remark, Ashwin took a U-turn and explained that his statements have been misread by people. While talking to the Indian Express after he returned from London, Ashwin was questioned whether he talked to any of his teammates for support after he was dropped. Ashwin said, "It's a deep topic. This is an era where everybody is a colleague. Once upon a time when cricket was played, all your teammates were friends. Now, they’re 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’?"

Later, his comments went viral in the entire cricket fraternity, and former India head coach Ravi Shastri also gave a response to Ashwin while young batter Prithvi Shaw on the other hand indirectly accepted the same when he was talking to Cricbuzz.

"What I said and what people are understanding are completely different. What I meant was that earlier, because the tours used to be long, there was more scope for friendship. But these days we are constantly playing --- different formats, different teams. One thing I have always believed is that when you are playing for different teams, it is very difficult to be friends. You have to keep that competitive spirit burning to be able to compete," he said.

"When you play IPL, for three months your (international) teammates end up becoming your opposition. When you play so much for different teams, I am not saying friendship doesn't happen, but it is very difficult. But then again, that is the way of the world -- the changing landscape -- and I don't think there is anything negative about it," he added.