Veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin was recently bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri, becoming only the second cricketer from Tamil Nadu to receive the civilian honor. This recognition celebrated his immense contribution to Indian cricket. However, amidst the accolades and celebrations, Ashwin found himself in an unexpected online exchange with a fan that took an unpleasant turn.
The Online Clash
After Ashwin expressed his gratitude with a simple “thank you” in response to a congratulatory message from a fan, another user by the name of @Hitman450745 tried to stir up controversy. The user replied:
If you want to express gratitude, direct it to Rohit Sharma—he’s the one who backed you.
Ashwin, known for his sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude, didn’t hesitate to fire back. His response in Tamil was direct and to the point:
“Dey paithiyam.“
(Translation: “You mad.”)
Ashwin’s fiery response quickly went viral, proving that he was not one to tolerate unwarranted comments, even in the face of honor and celebration.
Ashwin’s Sudden Retirement: A Glimpse into His Mind
Another major talking point surrounding Ashwin recently has been his abrupt decision to step away from international cricket midway through the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite being selected for just one of the first three Tests of the series, Ashwin left many fans and pundits speculating about the reasons behind his sudden retirement.
In an effort to clear the air and put an end to the rumors, Ashwin addressed the situation during an episode of his show, Ash Ki Baat. He explained his decision with remarkable clarity:
“I really needed this break and stepped away from the series midway. I didn’t discuss cricket much, though I did share a few thoughts on X after the Sydney and Melbourne Tests.”
He continued, emphasizing his respect for the sanctity of the dressing room and the decision-making process:
“I did not talk about retirement because I was in the dressing room, and it was very important for me to respect its sanctity.”
Ashwin further opened up about the toll fan wars and social media toxicity have taken on cricketers:
“Fan wars are very toxic nowadays. Sometimes, decisions are made instinctively. People are saying many things, but there is nothing like that. At that time, I felt I lost my creativity. Endings can be happy too. There is no reason to speculate much.”
Legacy and Recognition
Despite the online back-and-forths and sudden retirement, Ashwin’s legacy as one of India’s premier off-spinners remains undiminished. His contribution to Indian cricket is unmatched, and the Padma Shri recognition stands as a testament to his skill, dedication, and hard work on the field.
While the path of a cricketer is often marred by online noise and speculation, Ashwin’s ability to handle the pressure with grace, wit, and dignity has earned him respect not just as a cricketer, but also as a personality who stands firm against the tide.
As Ashwin continues to add to his already impressive list of accomplishments, fans and critics alike should remember the invaluable impact he’s had on Indian cricket, beyond just the accolades and the occasional online spats.
