Kolkata : Ravi Ashwin has lashed out at Pakistani critics who’re commenting India as getting ‘undue advantage’ at Dubai in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
India due to security measures didn’t travel to Pakistan, as a result of which they got all there games at Dubai. Despite getting qualified for final, criticisms didn’t leave them as Pakistani critics claim that India got undue advantage over other teams playing all matches at same venue in Dubai.
Despite being hosts, Pakistan lost against New Zealand and India, getting knocked out from the tournament. However, their critics are fully active to criticize India despite the team’s current form contradictory to their arch rivals.
Ashwin therefore lashed out at them stating that Pakistan despite hosting the tournament got knocked out thus, they’ve got no business taking about Men in Blue. On other hand, in 2023 WC, India travelled the most but played good Cricket to win all matches.
“Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy and they were knocked out of the tournament. They have no business talking about (India’s) home advantage,” Ashwin was in a session at RevSportz’s Trailblazers 3.0 Conclave.
He went on: “At the 2023 World Cup, we were the team that travelled the most. Winning matches is down to playing good cricket.”
Why Ashwin retired midway?
Ravi Ashwin announced his international retirement during BGT 2024-25 mid series. He revealed the reason saying, “The moment I started playing cricket, I decided that it would be my decision to walk away. I stand against everything that is selfish for Indian cricket and sport. I don’t want to stay away from my home, carrying drinks. Make no mistake—I’m not demeaning it. I would be happy to carry drinks for CSK, but only for a specific time of the year.”
Is India favourites in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand? “I’m nervy about the Champions Trophy final. New Zealand played really well in the semi-final. It’s a matter of immense pride that India have made back-to-back ICC finals. We are on the cusp of achieving something very special. New Zealand doesn’t cry about the conditions. They make best use of their resources,” said Ashwin.
Amidst India’s rough patch in Test Cricket, what will happen in Test series against England in England later this year? Ashwin defended all aspects of the Test side. “The Indian Test team is in a much better position compared to the other Test teams. Senior players need to be around to guide the youngsters. Batters don’t win you a Test series alone. Bowlers need to step up. Where is the next Bumrah and Shami?”
Ashwin also backed Virat Kohli to play for at least two more years. “He (Kohli) has a couple of years ahead of him. I have no reason to doubt him, he is fit and he can contribute immensely to a side that is very young.”
Deep Dasgupta was the other panellist and about India’s performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy, he said: “India have an advantage because they are a really good side. Nothing else matters.”
