CONFIDENCE OR COCKINESS?

ASHWIN’S STRATOSPHERIC FORM OVER THE LAST YEAR HAS BEEN CAUSE TO CHEER FOR ALL, BUT HIS RECENT STATEMENTS SUGGEST THAT HE MAY BE WALKING ON A THIN LINE BETWEEN SELF-BELIEF AND ARROGANCE

Ravichandran Ashwin, who is probably in the best phase of his career, has etched his name among the legends of the game, in terms of many individual records. The 30year-old possesses all necessary traits that are required from a modernday sportsperson — immense self-confidence, presence of mind and opinionated. We see these qualities in footballers like Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

He may be on top, but is his confidence going off the rails? Social media, as always, questioned if Ashwin’s recent comments to many publications appear bullish to the point of sounding arrogant.

Some comments about how he played a crucial role in most of India’s victories and how he leads without a title, not only reemphasised that the allrounder possesses all the attributes for an ideal sportsperson — but also paved way for social media discussion, with many fans on the fence about his supposed

arrogance. Former cricketers, commentators and upcoming cricketers decode his psyche.

Sridharan Sharath, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association Selection Committee Chairman and former Ranji Trophy player, says that he’s pleased to see how Ashwin carries himself, on and off the field. “I feel his comments are blown out of proportion. He has contributed a lot to the Indian cricket team and he’s the kind of person who doesn’t shy away from making honest statements, which shows how self-confident he is. I feel happy when I see Ashwin grow and I’d love to see him stay the same, and not change due to public pressure.”

Cricket presenter Suhail Chandhok, states, “Sometimes, you have to read between the lines — the Indian team is on the verge of playing a big series (against Australia). So, there are slight mind games involved to show the Aussies how ready he is. His recent statements might have sounded arrogant to an outsider — but it only shows the belief he has in himself. He’s a fighter.”

Nilesh Subramanian, who represented Ruby Kanchi Warriors in the first edition of Tamil Nadu Premier League, praises Ashwin and says that the best quality in the World No.1 Test bowler is that he is very approachable. “While I was playing for Jolly Rovers in a first division match, Ashwin was in the opponent team — when he got to know that I’m also from SSN College, he came and spoke to me,” Nilesh says. “He was very warm and even spoke to me when I was at the non-striker’s end! He’s down-to-earth and doesn’t have the aura of being an international sportsperson at all. Whenever we ask him for advice, he gives valuable inputs,” Nilesh adds.

On the other hand, cricket commentator and media personality Bosskey says that he wishes cricketers followed Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s route in being diplomatic. “Fans have high regard for him as a cricketer — so I don’t see the necessity for Ashwin to come up with certain statements. Does he come out and own up the same way when he has a bad game, once in a while? That, for me, proves that a cricketer has real mettle, and I’d like to see Ashwin display such character!”

Ashwin’s recent statements might have sounded arrogant to an outsider — but it only shows the belief he has in himself. I have played with Ashwin at the junior level and he’s a very warm person — SUHAIL CHANDHOK