Veteran Indian cricketer takes a dig at Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of his 100th Test

Ex-Indian cricketer Laxman Sivaramkrishnan in the past took a critical stance toward the ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The veteran leg spinner on Wednesday took to X (Twitter) and claimed that Ashwin did not respond to his call or messages when Sivaramakrisnan attempted to congratulate the cricketer on reaching 100 Tests.

The 58-year-old veteran penned “Tried calling him a few times to wish him for his 100th Test. Just cut off my call. Sent him a message, no reply. That’s the respect we former cricketers get.”

“Respect comes only from cultured people. Btw, I was earlier tweeting about a minor correction in his action and not criticizing him. If only people understood,” he further added. The former Indian player replying to the Netizens would question their experience of playing cricket for India and would Tweet. “Have you all played more cricket than me, 9 tests 16 ODI’s ????”

This is not the first time Sivaramakrisnan had a bitter time trying to communicate with Ashwin. In the past, Sivaramakrisnan was critical of Ashwin's bowling and doubted his ability to pick wickets in SENA countries. 

“Indian batsman are struggling against spin because the pitches in India are doctored for Ashwin in Test matches. Look at his record in SENA Countries,” Sivaramakrisnan wrote. The ex-Indian cricketer further called him a “selfish stats player”.

He also claimed that if Ashwin hadn’t been playing for the Chennai franchise under the leadership of MS Dhoni, in around 2011, when he used to be the Indian captain, the off-spinner would have had to wait longer to get a chance to play for his nation.

He further penned, “If not for CSK and MSD, he would have to wait longer as Harbhajan was bowling superbly at that time. Played for India, Left India Cement and went and joined the Rival Company Chemplast. What LOYALTY FROM THE GREAT MAN. You must build a temple for him. 1 full white ball state tournament bowled Leg-Spin, Anyone else would have been kicked out.” 

Ashwin will play his 100th Test on Thursday, March 7, when India plays England at the Dharamsala for the fifth and final Test match. Team India already has an unassailable lead of 3-1 in the series and will look forward to putting the final nail in the coffin. It is also notable to mention that the ‘Men in Blue’ holds the top spot in the World Test Championship 2023-25 rankings while England is at the 8th position.