Ravichandran Ashwin on Abhishek Sharma Slogger: Recently, Abhishek Sharma has been under criticism for his poor form in the T20 World Cup. But in the do-or-die match against Zimbabwe, he silenced his critics by playing an inning of 55 runs. That video of former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Aamir went viral, in which he called Abhishek a ‘lappebaaz’. But now Ravichandran Ashwin has also jumped into this debate, who has expressed strong displeasure over Mohammad Aamir’s statement.

Better than Yuvraj Singh…

Ravichandran Ashwin mentioned the video of Mohammad Aamir in which he had called Abhishek Sharma a lappebaaz. Taking a dig at Aamir, Ashwin said that he can question Abhishek’s way of playing, but he is not a ‘lappebaaz’ at all.

Ashwin said, “Abhishek Sharma is one of the best batsmen with bat swing today. We all know that Yuvraj Singh is his mentor. Perhaps Abhishek’s bat swing is even better than Yuvraj. Your bat swing cannot be better than this.”

The former Indian leg spinner said that whenever Abhishek hits the ball, it goes very far. That’s why some people may make the mistake of considering him a ‘lappebaaz’. Ashwin also pointed out one mistake of Abhishek that he tries to play a big shot on every ball.

returned to form

Abhishek Sharma was out on ‘zero’ in the first three innings of his T20 World Cup career. His account opened in the Super-8 match against South Africa, but there too he was out after scoring only 15 runs. But when Team India most needed Abhishek to play a big innings, he showed signs of returning to form by playing an innings of 55 runs. After defeating Zimbabwe, the Indian team remains in the race for the semi-finals.

Also read:

Team India lost badly in T20 World Cup, Australia chased the target 14 overs earlier

IND vs SA: After India’s defeat against South Africa in the Super-8 match of ICC T20 World Cup 2026, questions have started being raised on the team selection. This defeat has forced not only the fans but also the former players to think. Team India’s former veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin openly expressed his displeasure after the match and cited two major decisions of the team management as the important reasons for the defeat.

Ashwin expressed his displeasure

All-rounder Axar Patel was not included in India’s playing 11 against South Africa, who has been a reliable player of the team for a long time in the T20 format. Washington Sundar was played in his place. Ashwin believes that changing team combinations frequently in big tournaments is not the right strategy. Match-up strategy can work in IPL, but in a tournament like ICC, consistency is more important.

Ashwin also reminded that in the last T20 World Cup, when the team was in a difficult situation, Axar Patel had formed an important partnership with Virat Kohli and took the team to a respectable score. He believes that in the current match also, Akshar could have played the same role and managed the team.

Questions raised on Rinku Singh’s batting position

The former off-spinner also raised questions on the team’s second decision, in which young batsman Rinku Singh was sent to bat at number 8. Ashwin says that sending a player like Rinku to bat so low raises questions on the team’s strategy. When eight batsmen have been played in the team, then such a match winner should get a chance in the top or middle order.

During the match, India sent Sundar to bat at number 5, which is considered a surprising decision. Ashwin clearly said that this defeat has taught the team a lesson that entering big matches with incomplete preparation can prove costly.

Under the leadership of Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav, this defeat can make the path to Super-8 difficult. Now it remains to be seen whether the team management changes its combination in the next matches or moves forward with the same strategy.

Ravichandran Ashwin on Usman Tariq: Before the India vs Pakistan match, Usman Tariq’s name is in discussion. This great match of the 2026 T20 World Cup will be played in Colombo on 15 February. Actually Usman Tariq is in the news for his bowling action. He stops after taking a short run-up and then throws the ball while standing. He had troubled the USA batsmen. Now claims are being made that he can overpower the Indian batsmen also. Meanwhile, former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has advised Team India on how to face the balls of Usman Tariq.

‘Who will dare…’ – Ashwin

Discussing this on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “I would definitely like to see one thing. Who dares to do that. If Tariq stops his hand before bowling the ball, then it is within the batsman’s right to move away. The batsman can say, ‘I don’t know when the ball will come, so I moved away. This incident will be interesting and will give a headache to the umpire.’

Ashwin further said that if this happens, the umpire will have to decide whether to warn the batsman or the bowler. Imagining this entire incident, Ashwin said that on such occasions it is the bowler who is warned first.

Pressure will come on Usman Tariq

Ashwin further said, “If the batsman starts moving away from the front again and again, then imagine how much pressure will be put on Tariq. It is possible that he will have to change his bowling action in the middle of the match. If this happens, Pakistan’s trump card will prove to be ‘zero’.”

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Team India will become the champion of 2026 T20 World Cup! Amazing coincidence, Sehwag’s amazing prediction

IND vs PAK: ‘Lapper Abhishek Sharma…’, ruckus over the statement of PAK veteran before the India-Pakistan match, know what he said

Ravichandran Ashwin on Usman Tariq Action Legal: Usman Tariq, one such Pakistani bowler whose bowling action is being discussed a lot. On Monday, the match between Pakistan and USA was played in the T20 World Cup, in which the Pakistani team won by 32 runs. Actually, Usman Tariq’s 4 overs had contributed a lot to Pakistan’s victory. Some people are calling his bowling action ‘Bhatta bowling’ while others have called this action completely illegal. Now Ravichandran Ashwin has given his reaction to this entire controversy.

Ravichandran Ashwin explained the entire game

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin told through social media, “I will try to make it as clear as possible. First of all, whether Usman Tariq’s bowling action is legal or not, it can be known only in the ICC’s Bowling Action Testing Centre.”

Ashwin further reminded of the 15 degree rule. He said that a bowler should not bend his elbow more than 15 degrees. It is impossible for the ground umpire to measure whether a bowler is bending his elbow more than 15 degrees.

Okay, let me make it as clear as possible. Firstly, the legalities of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing centre.

Secondly, there is a 15° rule under which a bowler needs to keep his elbow and straighten it and to judge if a bowler is bowling within… pic.twitter.com/RbTkY6xJ3h

— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) February 11, 2026

Also told the solution

Ravichandran Ashwin told that this can be detected only through the testing tool while he (Usman Tariq) is bowling. He said that it is wrong to just take advantage of ambiguity and accuse someone.

On whether Usman Tariq’s throwing the ball by stopping his hand is legal or illegal, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “I think his action is completely legal. Because this is his regular action.”

Let us tell you that while commentating during the Pakistan vs USA match, Irfan Pathan had said that Usman Tariq gets an advantage over the batsman by bowling with his hands stopped.

Also read:

2 runs needed in 3 balls, Afghanistan’s last batsman was out on a free hit; South Africa won in the super-over

Controversy continues over the bowling action of Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, some are calling it right and some are calling it wrong. Meanwhile, former Indian player Ravichandran Ashwin has made a post in his support. According to him, there is nothing wrong in waiting for a while before bowling the ball. India’s first class cricketer Shrivats Goswami had raised questions on Usman’s action, reposting which Ashwin supported this action.

Usman Tariq is a spin bowler of Pakistan, who has played 4 T20 International matches so far. Usman took 3 wickets for 27 runs against USA, although his next test will be against India. Let us tell you that Usman’s bowling action is a little different, his hand comes from below and he also pauses for a while before releasing the ball. The allegations of ‘chucking’ against him are not new, but questions were raised on this in PSL also.

While sharing the video of Usman Tariq’s bowling on ‘X’, Shrivats Goswami wrote, “Even in football, it is not allowed that you take a pause in the penalty run-up. How can this be okay? The action is fine but this pause? That too before bowling the ball, it really cannot continue like this.”

Did Ashwin support Usman Tariq’s action?

Ashwin replied, “Agreed, this is not allowed in football. When the batsman can switch hit or reverse without informing the umpire or the bowler, then after starting batting, why are these restrictions limited to the bowler only? In fact, the bowler is not allowed to change his bowling hand without informing the umpire. They should change that rule first.”

Okay, let me make it as clear as possible. Firstly, the legalities of his action can only be tested at an ICC bowling action testing centre.

Secondly, there is a 15° rule under which a bowler needs to keep his elbow and straighten it and to judge if a bowler is bowling within… pic.twitter.com/RbTkY6xJ3h

— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) February 11, 2026

This is completely legal – Ashwin

After this, Ashwin made another post and wrote, “Okay. Let me make it clear that the legality of his action can be tested only in the ICC Bowling Action Testing Centre. Secondly, there is a 15 degree rule under which the bowler has to keep his elbow straight and it is impossible for the onfield umpire to decide whether the bowler is bowling within that 15 degree mark or not. The only solution to this is real time testing in competition. The above is a gray area and it is wrong to accuse someone of using the gray area. In the end, stopping at the crease is legal or not, and I believe it is completely legal because it is their regular action.”

T20 World Cup 2026 is going to start from 7th February, in which a total of 20 teams will play. These teams have been placed in 4 groups of 5 each. Before the start of the tournament, former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed disappointment that West Indies could not recall Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Narine from retirement for the tournament. Let us tell you that spinner Narine retired from international cricket in the year 2023 and Puran retired from international cricket last year (2025). Although both are active in league cricket. Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “I am very disappointed that West Indies did not select Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Narine in their team for this World Cup.”

Ashwin further said, “The board should have sat down and talked to Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran and brought them to the World Cup. How can you keep these two out and go to the World Cup without them?” Although a report claimed that Cricket West Indies had asked Nicholas Pooran to take back his retirement and play in the T20 World Cup 2026, but things did not work out.

I am a big fan of West Indies- Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin said that he is a big fan of the West Indies cricket team. He believes that the West Indies Cricket Board needs to think about its planning for such a big tournament. By the way, let us tell you that the last date for any country to make changes in its squad has passed.

Ashwin said, “I am a big fan of the West Indies, they have a lot of talent. But the way they plow and sometimes the infrastructure in the West Indies surprises me. I see a lot of potential in them, but they really need to rethink their approach and planning for the World Cup.”

West Indies are included in Group C in the T20 World Cup 2026, in which they are accompanied by England, Italy, Nepal and Scotland. Let us tell you that Bangladesh was also in this group, which was left out due to being adamant on its insistence.

West Indies squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Shai Hope (captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Moti, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.

Sourav Ganguly’s cricket career was brilliant. It is said that under his captaincy, India started winning series abroad. It is even said that in the team that won the ODI World Cup in 2011, many of the players were those whom Ganguly brought into the team and groomed. Well, right now Ganguly is having fun in South Africa. Pretoria Capitals has reached the finals of SA20, whose coach is Ganguly. Ashwin praised him highly and said that he is bringing Indian coaching talent to the world.

In the first qualifier of the ongoing edition of SA20, Pretoria Capitals, captained by Keshav Maharaj, defeated Sunrisers Eastern Cape by 7 wickets. Bryce Parsons (60) and Dewald Brewis (75) scored half-centuries for the team while chasing the target of 171. Brewis scored unbeaten 75 runs in 38 balls with the help of 7 sixes and 4 fours. While posting on X, Ashwin wrote that Sourav Ganguly’s leadership has always been inspiring, which continues even after becoming the coach.

What did Ashwin write?

Ravichandran Ashwin wrote on X, “He once said, ‘When I write my autobiography, it will create a stir.’ Right now he is creating a stir in South Africa with his Pretoria Capitals team. His leadership has always been inspiring and as a coach it is no different. “Indians are taking coaching across the world.”

He once said “When I write my autobiography, it will create tremors”

For now he is creating tremors in South Africa with his @PretoriaCapsSA team.

His leadership as always been inspirational and this one as a coach is no different.

Taking Indian coaching to the world… pic.twitter.com/YKGcRShoAz

— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) January 22, 2026

Regarding his future, Sourav Ganguly said, “I did not think much about it, because I remained in different roles. After retiring from cricket, I also became the President of BCCI. I am 53 years old, what will happen next remains to be seen. I am ready.”

Discussions on Ravichandran’s ODI future have intensified, because the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand was like a nightmare for him. It was not that he was not given many overs, yet he could not take a single wicket in the entire series. His total score in all three matches combined did not cross 50. Now Ravichandran Ashwin has advised him and also told him which player is ready to replace Jadeja.

In the first ODI played in Vadodara, Ravindra Jadeja gave 56 runs and scored only 4 runs. In Rajkot he gave 44 runs and scored 27 runs with the bat. In the decisive match played in Indore, he gave 41 runs, while playing an unnecessary shot, he got out after scoring 12 runs. Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has advised Jadeja to experiment instead of relying only on his strengths.

According to Ashwin, this is a difficult time for Jadeja in ODIs, because if any big mistake happens then Axar Patel is ready to take his place. Jadeja’s performance has not been good since Champions Trophy 2025.

what did ashwin say

During ‘Aish Ki Baat’ on YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “It is a very difficult time for Jadeja. We know Axar Patel is right behind him. The truth is that Jadeja has done well in ODIs, he is also playing the Test format. But it is not easy for Jadeja because it is more about his batting. There is talk about his low strike rate against the spinners. It is too early to talk about anyone’s cricket or future. It’s early.”

Ashwin further said, “After this there is T20 World Cup and IPL. Jadeja will play IPL and a decision will be taken on the basis of his performance there. It is too early to take decisions about anyone. He urged him to “experiment” more. He said, “As a legend in this game, he has nothing to lose.”

Ravindra Jadeja will have to experiment – ​​Ashwin

Ashwin said, “Jadeja’s strength sometimes becomes his weakness. Sometimes I envy the kind of ability he has with batting, bowling and fielding. But he doesn’t do one thing, he never goes beyond his strengths. He has never really experimented with new things. He is a real legend. He has nothing to lose, so I would like to see him experiment. I have seen him experiment in the nets. Have seen him throw carrom ball in practice, but would love to see him get a little funky.

The competition to make a place in Team India has always been tough. However, when a player who has been performing consistently well is made to sit out without any solid reason, then questions are bound to be raised. India’s legendary off-spinner and current cricket pundit Ravichandran Ashwin also has a similar belief. Ashwin has openly expressed his displeasure in his YouTube show over keeping fast bowler Arshdeep Singh out of the playing eleven in the first and second ODIs against New Zealand.

Why was R Ashwin furious?

Ashwin believes that the decision to keep a reliable bowler like Arshdeep on the bench continuously is wrong. The team management argued that it was necessary to give match practice to Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, but Ashwin did not seem to agree with this thinking. He says that Arshdeep may become “rusty” due to not playing matches, which means his rhythm and confidence may be affected.

Ashwin said that it is right to give opportunities to new bowlers all the time, but it does not mean that the player who is consistently doing well should be ignored. He raised the question why no one thinks about Arshdeep’s mental condition.

‘It’s a game of confidence’

Ashwin clearly said that cricket is not just a game of skill but of confidence. If a bowler remains out of the team despite performing well, his morale is sure to fall. He also said that such situations often happen only with bowlers and not with batsmen.

Referring to his experience, the former spinner said that he himself has gone through this phase, so he knows how much such decisions affect the players from within.

Preparation for T20 World Cup or mismanagement?

Some people believe that Arshdeep was given rest because he is being saved for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, Ashwin argues that Arshdeep has not been a completely “automatic choice” even in this format, especially after Gautam Gambhir became the coach.

Question on giving chance in third ODI

Ashwin also said that even if Arshdeep is played in the third ODI, the loss of sitting out the first two matches does not go away. He said that the player should get confidence from the beginning, so that he enters the field with his head held high.

In the end, Ashwin clearly said that whenever Arshdeep Singh has got a chance, he has performed brilliantly for the team. He deserves a place with respect in the playing eleven.

India’s experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin may be staying away from international cricket, but due to his deep understanding and analysis of cricket, he remains in the news continuously. On his popular YouTube channel, Ashwin often expresses such views, which are generally not heard outside the field. Something similar was seen after the first ODI played between India and New Zealand.

New Zealand’s strategy impressed

In the first ODI, India achieved the target of 301 runs with one over remaining, but this victory was not easy. At one time India’s score was 234/2, but after that the team lost wickets quickly and the match became exciting. In the end, KL Rahul’s restrained batting led India to victory. After this match, Ashwin praised New Zealand more than the Indian team.

Ashwin said that the New Zealand team plays with a very “analytical” i.e. thinking based on strategy and data. He even said that he is ready to pay money to sit in New Zealand’s team meeting and understand their planning. According to Ashwin, the way the Kiwi team implements its plans on the field is praiseworthy.

Weak team, but strong intentions

Ashwin clearly said that New Zealand does not have a lot of famous players and in man-to-man comparison they look weaker than many teams. Despite this, on the basis of discipline, excellent fielding and correct strategy, they give tough competition to big teams. He also said that New Zealand does not give up till the last ball, and that is why it is able to make a comeback in the match.

Opinion expressed on India’s performance also

Giving an impartial assessment of the Indian team’s game, Ashwin said that India did not play good cricket consistently throughout the match. However, he praised the performance of Harshit Rana, who made important contributions with both ball and bat.

Now the teams of India and New Zealand will face each other in the second ODI in Rajkot on Wednesday. In such a situation, these comments of Ashwin have become a big topic of discussion before the match.