R Ashwin calls to dismiss 'Superstar Culture' in team India - A dig at Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?

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Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has recently voiced concerns about the "superstar culture" prevalent in Indian cricket.

The recent revelations have unlocked various sides of the dressing room culture in the Indian cricket team.

From players travelling privately to BCCI paying for excessive luggage charges of some players, things have taken an ugly turn which came into the light after the dismal outing in Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Amid this, BCCI has also instructed strict new policies which has barred families from staying with players in tours which are less than 45 days. Apart from that, the entourage (chefs, agents) have also been instructed to stay at a different hotel from the upcoming tours.

Speaking on his Hindi YouTube channel, "Ash Ki Baat," Ashwin was vocal against the superstar culture in the team and urged to implement a lucid culture within the dressing room.

"It is important to normalise things in Indian cricket. We must not encourage this superstardom and super celebrities within the Indian cricket team," Ashwin said.

He further elaborated that cricketers are athletes, not actors or superstars, and should be individuals with whom the common people can resonate and compare themselves.

"For example, if you are a Rohit Sharma or a Virat Kohli, who have achieved so much. When you hit one more century, it is not just about your achievement anymore. It should be business as usual, and our goals should be bigger than these achievements," the former India player added.

Ashwin takes dig at Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?

Ashwin's statement about not encouraging superstardom within the team, followed by the mention of Kohli and Rohit, raises speculation about whether he is indirectly criticizing them. While he acknowledges their achievements, his emphasis on normalizing success suggests he might be advocating for a team-first approach over individual milestones.

Rather than a direct attack, it appears to be a call for perspective-stressing that cricket is a team sport where personal milestones should not overshadow the larger goal.