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R Ashwin Sparks A Storm With His 'Hindi Is Not The National Language' Comment

Jatin

Ravichandran Ashwin's statement on Hindi has caused an uproar [Source: @jsuryareddy/x.com]Ravichandran Ashwin's statement on Hindi has caused an uproar [Source: @jsuryareddy/x.com]

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Legendary spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently retired from international cricket, has found himself in the middle of a controversy. This time, it’s not about his bowling or records but a controversial comment he made about Hindi not being India’s 'national language.'

Ravichandran Ashwin Finds Himself in the Middle of a Language Controversy

Ravichandran Ashwin, known for being vocal and unfiltered views made this statement during a graduation ceremony in Chennai, which didn’t go unnoticed.

Ashwin was on stage at the event, addressing the crowd. He started with a bit of fun, asking, “English students in the house… give me a yay. Tamil?” The crowd erupted with cheers. Then he asked about Hindi. The response? Barely a murmur.

That’s when Ashwin said, “I thought I should say this: Hindi is an official language, not the national language.” It was a statement that struck a nerve with many, especially given Tamil Nadu’s long-standing sensitivity toward the imposition of Hindi.


It didn’t take long for Ashwin’s words to get picked up by the political circles. The BJP slammed his comment, while the DMK threw their full support behind him. The debate about Hindi’s status is nothing new, but coming from someone like Ashwin, it added a new twist to the tale.

For context, India’s Constitution designates Hindi as an "official language," not a "national language." But the topic remains a touchy one, especially in Tamil Nadu, where resistance to Hindi is deeply rooted in its history. Fans, of course, had their say, but the reactions were mixed.

Ashwin’s Cricketing Legacy

Ashwin retired last month after the Gabba Test against Australia, leaving behind a stellar record. With 537 Test wickets, he’s second only to Anil Kumble among India’s all-time greats. Ashwin’s brain, both on and off the field, has always been his greatest weapon.

The big question now is: what’s next for Ashwin? With cricket in the rearview mirror, could he be eyeing a new innings in politics? His comment about Hindi has certainly fuelled speculation. Was it a calculated move, or just Ashwin being Ashwin?