Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Rohit Sharma's Selfless knocks for the team. He believes Sharma’s selfless approach is a sign of great leadership and shows his commitment to India's success. Ashwin also shared that he understands the struggles Sharma goes through when things don’t go his way. He said that he prays for Sharma to score a century in a series and hopes he gets the recognition he deserves in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Ravichandran Ashwin Praises Rohit Sharma’s Selfless Nature

This statement will give a sleepless night to under 18 fans 🤣

Selfless nation is back 🐐
pic.twitter.com/OYEPOZjhGK

— 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐮 (@Ro_45stan) February 13, 2025

ALSO READ: IPL 2025: RCB announce captain

Speaking about the criticism Sharma faces, Ashwin said that while it can be frustrating, he is confident that the Indian captain will bounce back in the Champions Trophy.Sharma doesn't go for own achievements,he played selfless knocks for the team. Ashwin , calling him a “true OG and legend.” As India prepares for the Champions Trophy, Sharma’s captaincy and determination will be key for the Indian team. With the support of his teammates and fans, he will be looking ahed for the winning of ICC Champions Trophy.

Ravi Ashwin former Indian Cricketer has raised his concern on match officials allowing Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube who was got hit by Overton during bowling. It was a do or die for England as they were trailing the series 2-1. If they won the series will be on a decider. 

Read More : Pictures of Mohammad Siraj And Zanai Bhosle Creates Viral Sensation

Dube Substitution

India were in terrible situation in 4th T20 where they lost five wickets near 70 runs from there Hardik and Shivam took charge and suceeded India to a respectable total. Both played really a explosive innings where others couldn't able to withstand on the slowey pitch

 It was the last over of Indian innings, Overton peach delivery hit hard near the helmet of Shivam Dube and walked off owing a concussion according to the rules. Which permits like to like substitution. 

Cause Of Debate

According to ICC rule if a player gets an head injury during the cause of play. After the blow the player is asked about the present happening or anything related him to know whether he can continue or not, if its found he cannot able to continue he gets substituted. 

Read More : Top 5 Reasons Why India Lost The 3rd T20 against England

 The substitution states it should happen in serious cause, and the player should be a like to like substitution not paving any extra advantage to the opposition. The bowler should be replaced as bowler, the all rounder should be replaced by all rounder. 

What Goes Around Comes Around

The ace spinner raised his concern to the umpires and the match officials for allowing Harshit Rana to get into play. It was Rana debut T20 international match. Ashwin says India has clinched yet another T20 series many congratulations to the team. 

But my doubt was whether it was an IPL match or international match. How can Harshit can be substitute of Shivam. It had happened in past too in Canberra where Chahal was replaced with Ravindra Jadeja addressing in his You Tube where he shares all his cricketing ideas. If no one in the squard that would have been another case but you have Ramandeep Singh who is in the dug out. I would say it's a clear mis calculation from the umpires side or match refree side. Today it hurted England, Tomorrow it may hurt India too. 

So, the annual award ceremony of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Naman Awards 2025, is running. The Indian cricket governing body is awarding the best performers in the 2023-24 season. 

Mumbai is hosting the BCCI Naman Awards 2025, where the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah are present. 

Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy 2023-24

Ishwari Awasare (Best Woman Cricketer – Jr Domestic)

Priya Mishra (Best Woman Cricketer – Sr Domestic One Day)

H Jeganathan (Highest Wicket-taker in U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy)

L Raichandani (Highest Run Getter in U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy)

M.A. Chidambaram Trophy 2023-24

Neizekho Rupreo (Highest Wicket-taker in U23 Col. C. K. Nayudu Trophy – Plate Group)

Hem Chetri (Highest Run Getter in U23 Col. C. K. Nayudu Trophy – Plate Group)

P Vidyuth (Highest Wicket-taker in U23 Col. C. K. Nayudu Trophy – Elite Group)

Aneesh KV (Highest Run Getter in U23 Col. C. K. Nayudu Trophy – Elite Group)

Madhavrao Scindia Award 2023-24

Tanya Thyagarajan (Highest Wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy – Plate Group)

Agni Chopra (Highest Run Getter in the Ranji Trophy – Plate Group)

R. Sai Kishore (Highest Wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy – Elite Group)

Ricky Bhui (Highest Run Getter in the Ranji Trophy – Plate Group)

Lala Amarnath Award 2023-24

Shashank Singh (Best All-rounder in Domestic Limited-overs Competitions)

Tanush Kotian (Best All-rounder in the Ranji Trophy)

Best Umpire in Domestic Cricket 2023-24

Akshay Totre

Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments 2023-24

Mumbai – Won Ranji Trophy, Senior Women's T20 Trophy, Vijay Merchant Trophy

Highest Wickets in Women's ODI 2023-24

Deepti Sharma (13 wickets in 6 matches)

Highest Run Getter in Women's ODI 2023-24

Smriti Mandhana

Best Women's International Debut 2023-24

Asha Sobhana

Best Men's International Debut 2023-24

Sarfaraz Khan

Best Women's International Cricketer 2023-24

Smriti Mandhana

Polly Umrigar Award (Best Men's International Cricketer) 2023-24

Jasprit Bumrah

BCCI Special Award 2023-24

Ravichandran Ashwin

Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award 2023-24

Sachin Tendulkar

The BCCI Awards 2025 scheduled to take place on February 1, 2025, in Mumbai. Those achieving glorious feats will be rewarded, and those delivering outstanding performances in international cricket, domestic cricket, junior cricket, or umpiring, will be there.

BCCI Naman Awards?

The BCCI Naman Awards are considered the best form of recognition for Indian cricket by felicitating legendary stars and emerging heroes. The list of awards features trophies, medals, and shields, and a few of them are the highly prestigious Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award and the Polly Umrigar Award.

Event Information:

Date: February 1, 2025
Location: Mumbai (likely Wankhede Stadium)
Gathering: Cricketing legends, administrators, and young talents.

ALSO READ:12-year-old student in Kanpur: Cricket coach drugged, sexually assaulted

Complete List of Cricketers and Events :

International Cricket Awards

Domestic Cricket Awards

Women's Cricket Awards

Junior & Age-Group Cricket Awards

Ranji Trophy Awards

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin slammed “Bazball” style cricket after England’s batting line-up struggled in the third straight T20I, which was played at Rajkot.

Hosts India and the visitors England are battling in the five-match T20I series, which is also the beginning of the new era of England white-ball cricket under the head coach Brendon McCullum. McCullum has already shown his coaching skills for England's Test side, as the aggressive batting strategy is now known as “Bazball," which has hits and flops. 

In Test cricket, the “Bazball” strategy earned some good memories as the over-aggressive batting style has been called “braveness.”. However, it has also earned many negative criticisms.

IND vs ENG T20I series 2025: England batters failed to impress

In the five-match T20I series, hosts India comfortably won the series opener at Kolkata by seven wickets and thrillingly clinched another two-wicket win in the second game at Chennai. In both those T20Is, English batting failed massively. Poor shot selections were the major reasons for England’s defeat in both those T20Is. 

Rajkot T20I also experienced a similar story. While England were batting at 83/1 at one stage on a comfortable batting pitch, they later found themselves at 127/8. Opener Ben Duckett provided a positive start with his 51 off 28 balls, but the visitors still struggled in the first innings. Liam Livingstone’s late smashing 43 off 24 balls (one four and five sixes) somehow helped England to score 171/9 in 20 overs.

Due to the disciplined bowling from the English bowlers, they restricted the hosts to 145/9 as the visitors finally tasted a win in the away T20I series. However, their unpopular batting strategy still can’t be overlooked. 

See Also: Varun Chakravarthy creates world record after Rajkot T20I success

Ravichandran Ashwin called English batting reckless cricket 

Legendary Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last December, called the present English batting strategy reckless cricket. He surely doesn’t feel confident with this batting performance from the English side. 

There is a very fine line between playing aggressive brand of cricket and reckless cricket. #INDvENG

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 28, 2025

Former star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on Shubhman Gill's recent appointment as India's vice-captain for the upcoming Champions Trophy starting in February. The veteran now-retired spinner calls the move a "forward-thinking" move from the BCCI. Ashwin further stresses that such an elevation in the ranks will further secure his spot in the team. 

See also: Ind vs Eng 1st T20I 2025: Team India's probable XI for 1st T20I

Ashwin shares his takeaways on his YouTube channel

Gill's role as Team India's vice-captain in the upcoming Champions Trophy also means that the youngster can be further groomed as a future leader across formats. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin appreciates the move from the BCCI and believes that the board is looking ahead. 

“Think about who else in the current squad could be considered for the vice-captain role. I’m not saying whether the decision to make Shubman Gill vice-captain is right or wrong, but it’s clear that the management is looking ahead. He was the vice-captain in the last series too, and I believe he has some vice-captaincy experience in Tests as well."

In addition, Ashwin also believes that Gill has prior vice-captaincy experience which could come in handy in his newly assumed role.

Axar Patel named the T20I vice-captain for India

While Gill has filled the vice-captain slot for India in the ODI format, Indian spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel has been awarded the same position in the T20I setup. Ashwin highlighted that this move is considered highly stable given Gill's established position in the team.

“Both Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul could play in the XI, but the management has opted for a player whose spot is secure. If Shubman Gill is groomed for leadership, he can lean on the guidance of senior players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah."

However, the Indian legend is not impressed by the overall Indian squad handpicked for the forthcoming Champions Trophy edition. He feels that there is a strong resemblance with the 2023 ODI World Cup squad which underperformed at the last hurdle. The lack of left-handers in the top seven and the absence of a reliable batting option at No. 8 have left the start spinner visibly concerned. 

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 proved to be a disappointing outing for India, as they suffered a 3-1 series defeat to Australia despite a promising start. India’s commanding victory in the first Test in Perth had raised hopes for a successful campaign. However, the team struggled to maintain momentum and failed to win any of the remaining matches, ultimately conceding the series to Australia.

Also Read: 3 Big Changes India Needs to Make in Test Cricket to Avoid Agonizing Defeats

Following the rain-affected draw in the third Test in Brisbane, R. Ashwin shocked fans by announcing his retirement from Test cricket and all forms of the game, leaving the tour midway. Watching the final two matches from home, Ashwin has now opened up about the series loss, discussing the factors that led to India’s struggles and shedding light on the pivotal role played by Australia’s standout performer, Scott Boland.

Ashwin on Scott Boland’s Game-Changing Impact

R. Ashwin praised Scott Boland’s exceptional performance, calling him the key factor behind Australia’s success. Ashwin said,

“Everyone said Pat Cummins had a great series, but he struggled against left-handers. Australia was lucky that Scott Boland came into the team. If Boland hadn't played, India would have won the series.”

Ashwin added,

“No offense to Josh Hazlewood; he's a fantastic bowler. But if they had continued with the same attack, we would have won. Boland's round-the-wicket deliveries to our left-handers were a major factor.”

Scott Boland came into the team as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood after the first Test in Perth. He played the second Test in Adelaide, a day-night match, where Australia leveled the series 1-1 with Boland playing a crucial role. Although Boland was benched for the third Test in Brisbane, he returned to the playing XI after Hazlewood was officially ruled out due to injury. Boland’s performance in the last two Tests, especially in Sydney where he took 5 wickets, helped Australia clinch the series.

Also Read: Captain Rohit Sharma Travels to Pakistan?

Scott Boland: The Unsung Hero

In the three matches he played during the series, Boland bowled 101.4 overs and took an impressive 21 wickets. His consistency and ability to trouble India’s left-handed batters were game-changing. Boland’s Test career has been short but remarkable, with 13 matches, 56 wickets, and an incredible bowling average of 17.66. Despite not being a first-choice bowler in Australia’s pace trio of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, Boland has always delivered whenever given a chance. At 35 years old, Boland continues to prove his worth.

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin revealed his sudden decision to retire from international cricket after the end of the rain-interrupted Brisbane Test.

The 38-year-old Indian legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin surprised cricket fans by retiring from international cricket during the middle of the recently concluded Australia tour. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 had five Tests, while Ashwin announced his retirement at the end of the third Test of the series. 

Out of the first three Tests of the series in the latest Australia tour, Ashwin played only the second Test at Adelaide Oval, which was a day-night pink-ball Test match. He picked up one wicket in that Test match but was dropped from the next Test at The Gabba in Brisbane as India replaced him with the all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. 

See Also: Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant named in Delhi's probable squad for upcoming Ranji Trophy matches

I want to play more cricket: Ravichandran Ashwin

On his YouTube channel, Ashwin talked about his sudden retirement from international cricket without a farewell match. Although he wants to play more cricket, the 38-year-old felt that the Indian team wasn’t looking at him for the future. Ashwin didn’t want to stay in the team only for the farewell Test despite not deserving the place. 

Ashwin said, "I want to play more cricket. Where is the place? Obviously not in the Indian dressing room but from somewhere else. I want to be honest with the game. Imagine if I want to play farewell Test but I do not deserve a place. Imagine, I am only in the team because it is my farewell Test. I do not want that. I felt there was more strength in my cricket. I could have played more but it is always better to finish when people ask 'why not' than why.”

There is no need for a farewell: Ashwin

Ashwin clarifies that he doesn’t believe in the farewell match. He feels that the farewell match doesn’t make much difference for a player. 

The legendary off-spinner added, "What difference will this make if I came out with the ball and people are clapping? How long will people talk about it? When social media was not there, people talked about it and forgot after one week. There is no need for a farewell. The game has given us a lot and we have played with a lot of happiness.”

Ashwin ended his Test career as the second-leading Test wicket-taker for India and the eighth-leading Test wicket-taker overall, with 537 wickets in 106 Tests. He also finished as the 11th leading wicket-taker in international cricket and the second-most international wicket-taker for India, with 765 wickets in 287 matches.

Ashwin was a member of the Indian team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013.

Ravichandran Ashwin on Rishabh Pant: A Rare Tribute to a Unique Talent

Cricket players such as Rishabh Pant are unfathomably valuable in the Indian cricket world. That's why Ravichandran Ashwin doesn't often make a whole YouTube video about just one player, but for someone such as Pant, he made an exception. This person's talent for hitting amazing shots against the bowlers, and also being able to hang there when things get hard, is what makes him stand out.

This was exemplified in the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test between India and Australia, where Pant displayed both facets of his game. In the first innings, he scored a gritty 98-ball 40, followed by a scintillating 33-ball 61 in the second. While the second-innings blitz earned widespread acclaim, Ashwin reminded fans of the importance of Pant’s fighting knock in the first innings. “One opinion about Rishabh was that he plays a lot of shots, and he needs to fight it out in Test cricket. I’ve always grown up hearing that you have to fight it out. In Sydney, he played two different knocks in one single game. He got hit everywhere and scored a 40.

It will be the least spoken innings of Rishabh Pant. It is very unfair,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. The veteran spinner also hailed Pant as one of the best Test batters since the inception of the World Test Championship (WTC), a significant compliment in itself. Yet, Ashwin’s focus on Pant’s often-underrated defensive technique caught the most attention

ALSO READ: Indian wicketkeeper-batter can be rested from England series

Ravi Ashwin talking about Rishabh Pant. 🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/gKp0YHnDD4

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 10, 2025

Pant’s Defence: An Underrated Asset

Ashwin said that Joe Root has been on another level when it comes to batting lately. Over the past seven years, batting's really changed. A Test cricket? It's apparently concentrated on how you handle the game moment by moment. After he scored a fantastic fifty in the second innings, everyone started cheering for him. They ended that awful first innings and just focused on how well he played the second time.Ashwin highlighted that Pant’s defence is among the best in world cricket, an attribute rarely discussed in Indian cricketing circles. “We must realise that Rishabh Pant rarely gets out playing a defence. He’s got one of the best defences in world cricket. Defence has become a challenging aspect. He has the best defence with a soft hand. I have bowled to him a lot in the nets. He doesn’t get out; he doesn’t edge, and he doesn’t get LBW. He has the best defence. I have tried telling him this,” Ashwin said.

The Need for a Middle Ground

Ashwin said he's got all the moves, reverse sweep, slog sweep, every single one, but the catch is they're all unfathomably risky. He definitely has the skills to achieve many points every match if he can play 200 balls, without any difficulty. But what's really important is balancing it out. If he can combine it all, the individual is going to hit 100 runs every match, definitively.He just needs to think through that balanced play style.

Ashwin emphasized the importance of proper guidance for Pant to unlock his full potential.“We have to tell him properly what he has to do if he has to bat solid or bat with intent. He hasn’t scored a lot of runs, but he didn’t play like someone without runs. He has a lot of time on his hands. Rishabh Pant is yet to realise his fullest potential,” Ashwin concluded.

Rishabh Pant's spectacular mix of being aggressive and technically skilled makes him a very interesting player in world cricket. Ashwin's thoughts clearly show that there's still so much more potential in Pant's game that hasn't been fully used yet. If Pant manages to find just the right balance, he could reach even larger achievements in his Test career.Pant's manner of playing is bold and attracts a lot of attention but it's that combo of skills that keeps everyone watching him.

Rishabh Pant Career Stats

Batting & Fielding

Former Indian spin-bowling legend Ravi Ashwin has got himself in the eye of the storm following his remarks on the Hindi language during a graduation ceremony at Rajalakshmi Engineering College in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. His negative comments on the Hindi language sparked nationwide outrage and widespread condemnation from his ardent supporters. 

See also: Last over mayhem in BPL produces 30 runs, acquires the second best place on the all-time list

Ashwin insists Hindi is not national but an official language

Whilst addressing a gathering at the Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Ashwin asked which language should he choose while delivering his speech. Although English and Hindi received a warm response, the mention of the Hindi language instantly plunged the audience into a state of silence.  

“I thought I should say it, Hindi is not our national language; it is an official language.”

Ashwin was quoted by DT next saying that Hindi may not be our national language but it is certainly an official language given its wide audience base all over India. Ashinw received a warm applause from the Tamil-dominated audience but a war soon broke out on social media who deemed his remarks critical.

Here is the video:

#Watch | தமிழுக்கு அதிர்ந்த அரங்கம்.. இந்திக்கு SILENT.. "இந்தி தேசிய மொழி இல்ல".. பதிவு செய்த அஸ்வின்!

சென்னையில் உள்ள தனியார் பொறியியல் கல்லூரியில் நடைபெற்ற பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் மாஸ் காட்டிய கிரிக்கெட் வீரர் அஸ்வின்#SunNews | #Chennai | #Ashwin | @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/TeWPzWAExQ

— Sun News (@sunnewstamil) January 9, 2025

India, being a linguistically diverse nation has nearly 22 recognized languages as stated by the constitution of India. Hindi and English are the top two widely spoken languages within the country and hold the status of an official language. However, confusion looms between the language's national and official status, and more often than not, this ambiguity often leads to clashes and misinterpretation. 

In recent times, the government of India has been proactively trying to unite the entire nation under the umbrella of one main language - Hindi. However, this notion has been confronted by many states and regional parties especially Tamil Nadu, who stand opposed to the wide-scale implementation of the Hindi language. Supporters on social media argued that an individual of Ashwin's prominence ought to avoid expressing opinions on delicate matters such as language.