R Ashwin Recalls Incident when India Head Coach Lost his Cool during Crucial Overseas Tour

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's legendary off-spinner, recently opened up about an unforgettable episode involving former India head coach Ravi Shastri during the England tour in 2018.

R Ashwin, who retired from international cricket following the Gabba Test in December, shared the story during a conversation on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.

Ashwin revealed he faced a sharp rebuke from Shastri for participating in a technical masterclass with Ian Ward on Sky Sports. The session, where Ashwin discussed his repertoire, including his famous carrom ball, didn't sit well with Shastri.

"I got a real pasting from Ravi Shastri for doing that masterclass," Ashwin admitted. He elaborated that Shastri's concern stemmed from the belief that revealing such insights could compromise the team's competitive edge. Despite the dressing down, Ashwin maintained his perspective. "I think he had his point, but inside me, I never felt insecure about it. To me, cricket is about delivering what you have and responding to what's thrown your way," he explained.

India endured a challenging series in England in 2018, losing 1-4 despite being in strong positions on several occasions. Ashwin, with 18 wickets in seven matches in the UK, was one of India's standout bowlers but found himself grappling with a personal and team battle.

The off-spinner acknowledged the mental games he played to stay ahead of the batters. "Very few times have batters had the courage to come at me. It's a battle in my own head," he remarked. Sharing his insights during the masterclass was not a sign of weakness, Ashwin clarified. Instead, it was an opportunity for him to introspect. "Every time I shared something, I discovered a question inside me. That helped me evolve and find answers," he added.

Ashwin's remarkable career, which saw him finish as India's second-highest wicket-taker across formats, is a testament to his cerebral approach to the game. His candid recollections about moments like the Shastri episode shed light on the delicate balance between individual expression and team dynamics in cricket.