Two months after his remark, Ashwin reversed his position and claimed that many misinterpreted his words.-Ashwin says of a friend-colleague
Following India’s humiliating defeat in the World Test Championship final against Australia earlier this month, and the growing controversy surrounding the management after they excluded their leading wicket-taker Ravichandran Ashwin from the playing XI, the veteran spinner revealed a shocking reality of the dressing room. After being released, he gave his first interview, in which he stated that there is fierce rivalry for every position on the squad, leaving comrades as nothing more than coworkers.
Two months after his remark, Ashwin reversed his position and claimed that many misinterpreted his words. Ashwin was asked by the Indian Express following his return from London if he spoke to any of his teammates for support after being discarded. “It’s a deep topic,” Ashwin added. In today’s world, everyone is a coworker. When I used to play cricket, all of my teammates were pals. They are now coworkers. There is a significant difference since individuals are there to advance themselves and step ahead of someone seated to your right or left. So no one has time to ask, “OK, boss, what are you up to?”
Later, his words went viral around the cricket world, and former India head coach Ravi Shastri also responded to Ashwin, while rookie batter Prithvi Shaw indirectly agreed the same when speaking to Cricbuzz.
“What I said and what people understand are two completely different things.” I meant that before, because the trips were longer, there was more room for friendship. However, we are continuously playing these days — various forms, different teams. One thing I’ve always felt is that it’s tough to be friends when you’re on opposite teams. “You have to keep that competitive spirit alive in order to compete,” he explained.
“When you play IPL, your (international) teammates become your opponents for three months.” I’m not saying friendship doesn’t happen when you play for so many different teams, but it’s difficult. But, again, it is the way of the world — the shifting environment — and I don’t see anything wrong with it,” he continued.-Ashwin says of a friend-colleague
Ratnavali