sb.scorecardresearch

Updated 09:25 IST, January 7th 2024

‘We have seen many...'-R Ashwin disputes Michael Vaughan's critique of Team India’s success

R Ashwin defended India from Michael Vaughan's claim of underachievement in major tournaments, highlighting the team's strong record as a top travelling team.

Reported by: Aryan Suraj Chadha
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
R Ashwin
R Ashwin | Image: AP

Mohammed Siraj was named Player of the Match after India defeated South Africa by 7 wickets in the second Test on Day 2 this week. South Africa scored 55 and 176 runs in their two innings, led by Aiden Markram's 106 runs in the second. India scored 153 runs in response. Rohit Sharma's unbeaten 17 and Yashasvi Jaiswal's 28 helped them get past 79 runs in their second innings. Mohammed Siraj shone with 6/15 and 1/31 stats. Dean Elgar was selected Player of the Series for his consistent performance.

3 things you need to know 

  • India beat South Africa in the 2nd Test by 7 wickets 
  • India vs South Africa series ended in a tie 1-1
  • R Ashwin is nominated for the best ICC Test Player of the Year

Also Read: R Ashwin and Makhaya Ntini mark mini CSK reunion

R Ashwin counters Michael Vaughan's criticism of India's performance

R Ashwin has refuted Michael Vaughan's claim that India is a "underachievers," emphasizing that the squad is one of the best travelling sides in Test cricket. Vaughan made this comment at a panel discussion on FOX Cricket during the Australia vs Pakistan Test series, characterizing the Indian squad as underachieving and lacking success in important competitions. In reaction to Vaughan's comments, Ashwin, who is vying for the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year award, addressed the topic on his YouTube channel. While India has not won an ICC trophy since past 11 years, he emphasised that the squad has constantly delivered exceptional performances in Test cricket, particularly during their international visits.

When challenged with suspicions from Indian specialists doubting the team's underachieving position, Ashwin laughed. The team's track record, particularly in Test matches on foreign grounds, defies any perception of underperformance, according to the spinner. R Ashwin on his YouTube channel, said:

“Michael Vaughan made a statement after the first Test that India is an underachieving team. Yes, we haven't won ICC trophies for years. We call ourselves the powerhouses of the game. But the Test team has been one of the best travelling teams in the vicinity. We have seen many great results,”


“After he said that, so many experts from our own country started questioning if India is an underachieving team. Frankly, it made me laugh. Picture yourself. Just reverse the situation. SA batted first in this Test after winning the toss. If SA had batted first after winning the toss in Centurion, wasn't there a chance they could have gotten all out by 65? Even India was staring at the barrel at 20/3, thanks to Virat and Shreyas' partnership from there to save us.”

Also Read: Sehwag takes a swipe at England as they are set to bring personal chef

R Ashwin made a huge statement to the critics of Team India

Ashwin went on to add, stating that criticism of the Indian squad frequently go into needless detail. He feels that the team has continually proved its endurance and capacity to mount comebacks in series, particularly in the game's lasting structure. The Indian team's track record, according to the spinner, speaks for itself, demonstrating their ability to bounce back and perform excellently, particularly in Test cricket. R Ashwin added:

“So, both cricket and Test cricket are differentiated by fine margins. In a country like India, where we talk cricket in every nook and cranny and consider the sport a religion, I feel we criticise and nitpick too much and get into unnecessary details. I think these are blinding us,” 

“What we need to understand is that it is still a sport. The fact is that a quality cricket team with good mental fortitude and mental skills can make a comeback from wherever they are, and this Indian team has time and again proved it. Yes, we lost two WTC finals. I accept it wholeheartedly. But in the case of Test series, a comeback is always possible.”

Published 09:25 IST, January 7th 2024