R Ashwin Blasts ‘Superstar Culture’ in Indian Cricket, Questions Team Selection for Champions Trophy 2025

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Indian cricket has always celebrated its icons, but Ravichandran Ashwin has launched a scathing critique of the “superstar culture” that dominates the national team. The legendary off-spinner, who recently retired from international cricket, urged the need to normalize individual achievements and shift focus to team success rather than idolizing certain players.

In a bold statement on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin emphasized that Indian cricketers should not be treated as demigods, arguing that such over-glorification detaches them from the common fans.

“We are cricketers, not actors or superstars. People should relate to us, not worship us.”

His remarks come at a time when newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir has also voiced similar concerns, aiming to eliminate the cult of individual hero-worship within Indian cricket.

But Ashwin didn’t stop there. He also questioned the selectors’ strategy for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, particularly the excessive number of spinners in the squad.

Ashwin Calls Out India’s ‘Superstar Obsession’ – “It’s Just Business as Usual”

For years, India has revered its cricketing heroes, from Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, Ashwin believes that cricket should not be about idolizing individuals but about winning tournaments as a team.

“If you are a Rohit Sharma or a Virat Kohli, scoring a century should be seen as business as usual. The goals should be bigger than just individual milestones.”

This statement comes after years of Indian fans and media putting immense pressure on individual players, often overshadowing the team’s collective achievements. Ashwin, a 765-wicket veteran, has seen firsthand how the media and fans elevate players to untouchable status, which he believes harms the team culture.

His argument aligns with Gautam Gambhir’s vision for the Indian team, which focuses on eradicating favoritism and making the squad a level playing field. Gambhir, who played with Sachin, Dravid, and Kumble, has openly declared his mission to end India’s obsession with superstars.

🚨 Is this a direct attack on the current leadership? While Ashwin did not name BCCI, Rohit Sharma, or Virat Kohli, his comments suggest a broader critique of how Indian cricket operates.

Champions Trophy 2025: Ashwin Slams Team Selection – ‘Five Spinners? That’s Overkill!’

While Ashwin’s comments on team culture grabbed attention, his sharp critique of India’s squad selection for the Champions Trophy has sparked even bigger debates.

India has named five spinners in the squad for the tournament, which will be played in Pakistan and Dubai, where conditions don’t necessarily favor excessive spin bowling.

📝 India’s 5 Spinners for Champions Trophy 2025:

  1. Kuldeep Yadav (Chinaman)
  2. Axar Patel (Left-arm orthodox)
  3. Washington Sundar (Off-spinner)
  4. Ravindra Jadeja (Left-arm orthodox)
  5. Varun Chakravarthy (Mystery spinner)

Ashwin questioned the logic behind this selection, arguing that two spinners should have been dropped in favor of more pacers.

“Five spinners in Dubai? I don’t know. I think we are one spinner too many, if not two.”

🚨 Key Concerns Raised by Ashwin:

  • If Jadeja and Axar are picked as all-rounders, does India really need three more spinners?
  • Kuldeep Yadav is a certainty in the playing XI, leaving limited spots for the remaining spinners.
  • Varun Chakravarthy’s inclusion means either a pacer has to sit out or Hardik Pandya will have to bowl as the second pacer.
  • Are selectors over-relying on spin-friendly conditions instead of having a balanced attack?

Given the conditions in Pakistan and UAE, where pitches can favor seamers early on, Ashwin’s concerns seem valid. India’s decision to overload the squad with spinners might prove costly if the pitches don’t turn as expected.

Is This a Message to the BCCI? Ashwin’s Retirement and His Explosive Statements

Ashwin’s sudden retirement from international cricket took many by surprise. Despite still being in top form, he chose to step away from the game abruptly after the Australia Test series.

While he has maintained that his decision was personal, many believe that his latest statements are directed at the BCCI and Indian selectors.

Could it be that Ashwin felt sidelined or frustrated with the team’s internal politics? Was this his way of calling out favoritism and flawed selections?

The Bigger Picture: Is Indian Cricket Ready for a Cultural Shift?

With Gambhir as head coach and Ashwin speaking out, a cultural shift in Indian cricket might be on the horizon. But the real question remains:

  • Will Indian cricket finally move away from hero worship and focus on team unity?
  • Is the selection committee making the right calls, or are personal biases affecting decisions?
  • Should the BCCI and selectors rethink their squad composition for the Champions Trophy?

One thing is certain—Ashwin has ignited a debate that won’t die down anytime soon.

What Do You Think?

  • Is Ashwin right about the superstar culture in Indian cricket?
  • Are five spinners too many for the Champions Trophy 2025?
  • Will Gambhir’s coaching philosophy finally put an end to favoritism in the Indian team?

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