Ravichandran Ashwin on Sunday coined India's 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand as ‘shattering experience but strongly reacted to the criticism the Indian team was subjected to.
Discussing the match on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “It was difficult for me to see how people reacted – how did they react? Everyone should apologise – sir, this is a sport.”
“I just want to say one thing, everyone was hurt, as Indian cricket fans, but let me promise you, no one can hurt as much as a player in the dressing room – so doubting the hurt is criminal, because players make careers and their careers are broken by what they do on the field, so I believe that character assassination shouldn’t be done by anyone," Ashwin added.
After 12 years and 18 consecutive series wins, India was crushed by the Kiwis, ending their streak. The defeat has fueled criticism and raised doubts about India's chances in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, starting November 22.
Ashwin also blamed himself for not being able to contribute with the bat
“I expect a lot from myself. I am a guy who says I am the reason for everything that went wrong. I am also a big reason and a big part of it (series loss). I couldn’t contribute to the lower-order runs. As a bowler, I know that runs are a vital currency for a bowler. I started well in many places, then I threw it away on a couple of occasions. I put in my best but it wasn’t enough," Ashwin added.
The first batch of the Indian team departed for Australia on Sunday night from Mumbai Airport for the highly-anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy.
The first ball of the BGT series will be bowled in Perth on November 22. For the series that could potentially decide the fate of the World Test Championship 2025 final, the Indian team is leaving in two batches.
Speedsters Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep were spotted at the airport along with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. All-rounder Washington Sundar, middle-order Sarfaraz Khan and star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal were also present in the first batch that left for Australia.
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