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R Ashwin Contacts Former India Star Amid Twitter Criticism Over Bowling Action

image-ln6x6ta7Laxman Sivaramakrishnan Targets R Ashwin [Twitter]

After widespread speculation about Ravichandran Ashwin's future in ODI cricket, the 37-year-old was finally able to secure his place in the ODI World Cup squad. As the team was involved in last-minute changes leading up to the World Cup, Ashwin was roped in to replace an injured Axar Patel. Ashwin made his first ODI appearance since 2022 in the recently concluded 3-match ODI series against Australia where he put up a formidable performance and finished with 4 wickets averaging 22.

However, cricket commentator Laxman Sivaramakrishnan wasn’t all that pleased with Ashwin’s inclusion in the World Cup squad. Laxman alleged that most of Ashwin’s success can be attributed to the subcontinent conditions that are tailor-made to suit the off-spinner. He further alleges that the governing body would have prepared flat tracks that would suit the Indian batters in the tournament.

“Indian batsman [sic] are struggling against spin because the pitches in India are doctored for Ashwin in Test matches. Look at his record in SENA Countries.”



After posting this tweet on his X account (formerly known as Twitter), a user came in defense of Ashwin and pointed out that he was a much better spinner than Laxman. However, Laxman was quick to latch onto him and responded by saying that the Test match pitches in India are ‘doctored’ to suit the off-spinner.

“Any fool will get wickets on tampered pitches in India. Go straight from the airport to the ground and tell the ground staff what areas to tamper, I have seen with my own eyes several times.”

Laxman’s allegations did not just end there. The cricketer-turned-commentator also labeled Ashwin “unfit” and a “liability”. Furthermore, he also went on to post a picture of Ashwin’s bowling stride which sparked an unprecedented controversy. After indicating a potential flaw in his bowling action, fans requested Laxman to directly relay his messages to Ashwin personally.

However, the two engaged over a phone call later where they discussed the bowling action thing. Laxman concluded the conversation by wishing him good luck for the high-octane World Cup.


Laxman’s derogatory comments came during the ongoing warm-up clash between India and England which was eventually washed out. India will head to Thiruvananthapuram to play their final warm-up game against Netherlands on October 3.