Ravichandran Ashwin stepped forward with his remarks about how fans criticise his batting performances since Chennai Super Kings brought him back into IPL 2025. Ashwin returned to CSK after his decade-long high-priced contract to play in IPL 2025 and explained that intense media focus does not affect him because real supporters stick with their favourite players during both good and bad times. The former Team India international who retired in 2024 spoke with cricket analyst Prasanna Agoram about his off-to-a-poor-season start while keeping his doors open for meaningful suggestions.
Ashwin Opens Up on Trolls and Criticism: “Some Speak with Venom, Others Mean Well”
“Generally, nobody likes losing. Honestly, I am not bothered by the trolling. You are saying ‘don’t troll and all that, I don’t bother about that. If people are talking about you, pointing out your flaws, it can come from a position of meaning well. We can take it as constructive criticism. But, a few people, when they go after you, it is just venom,” Ashwin said on his YouTube show.
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Ashwin Embraces Genuine Criticism, Says Parental Feedback Keeps Him Grounded
“It’s easy to find out the difference, I can easily figure out what’s constructive criticism and what’s venom. I don’t worry about that. It’s always about being better than today. This has been my life’s mantra. I don’t worry about that too much. It’s coming from a position of love when people are genuinely talking about you, ranting about your performances. My father still reprimands me if I get out. My parents scold me. As far as criticism is coming from a place of love, it’s absolutely fine,” he said.
Ashwin Opens Up On Coping with Fan Pressure And Social Media Detachment During IPL
“It’s also not easy being fans. Even when I was at Rajasthan Royals, I totally go off. I don’t engage with you even when you talk about the game to me. I am thoroughly invested in the process when you are in the heat of the tournament. I completely eliminate social media. I don’t comment anything. My friends sometimes message me ‘don’t worry, stay strong’ when I am not doing well. I tell them don’t tell me these things too. I am not interested in knowing what’s happening outside.
Those opinions, sometimes… There are a few who don’t know why they are trolling a player. They do it out of anger,” he said.
