India’s visit to South Africa didn’t yield the expected outcome as Rohit Sharma’s team suffered a significant loss in the first Test, missing out on a prime chance to secure a series win in South Africa. The team’s disappointing performance in the Test series opener led a former England captain to label them as one of the most ‘underperforming’ teams in global cricket. Vaughan’s remarks found support from some former Indian cricketers, but veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin holds a differing opinion.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin gave a response which was full of surprise as hearing such a comment ‘made him laugh’ considering how well India have done in world cricket, especially in the Test format.
“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 traveling teams in the vicinity. We have seen many great results,” Ashwin said in response.
“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.”
Ashwin 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 traveling teams in the vicinity. We… pic.twitter.com/H78xAg1Re4
— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) January 7, 2024
“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 criticize and nitpick too much and get into unnecessary details. I think these are blinding us,” said Ashwin.
Strong Comeback
Team India recently wrapped up a 2-match Test series in South Africa which featured a comeback in the 2nd Test courtesy of Rohit Sharma’s men who tied the series 1-1 to share the spoils. A spirited bowling display from Jasprit Bumrah saw the South African batting order collapse in Cape Town.
Team India are currently placed 2nd in the World Test Championship points table and will be taking on England in a 5-match series in January.
Also Read:Rohit Sharma Comes To Virat Kohli’s Rescue, Backs Him For T20 World Cup 2024: Reports
