Ravichandran Ashwin BURNS down Gautam Gambhir over 'data' remarks

Ravichandran Ashwin lashes out at Gautam Gambhir: India will be facing England in the semi-final 2 of the 2026 T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The match is scheduled to start from 7:00 PM IST, and there are very few chances that dew will play a part in this game as it did at the Eden Gardens for India against the West Indies.

Ahead of the all-important clash, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has taken a swipe at the India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir. After India won against the Windies, Gambhir, during the post-match press conference, was asked about how the team depends on data while preparing for a match. In reply, the head coach said he does not believe in data.

It's his modus operandi- Ravichandran Ashwin

Taking a swipe at Gambhir’s remarks on the post-match press conference, Ashwin has given his insights on how important data can be, and if properly used, it can be very useful for the cricketers, and it can also turn out to be the biggest enemy in the upcoming years.

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Ashwin, while speaking with Vimal Kumar, stated, "See, the coach is saying that he won't use this data and that's fine. It's his modus operandi. Vimal bhai, see, how can I handle this? What is data? Data is anything, no? Data is a wagon wheel. Data is how many balls, which bowlers, which areas."

Here's the video

🚨 ASHWIN HITBACK ON GAUTAM GAMBHIR:-

One coach is saying that he won't use to data, How do I handle this if you ask the same question what is data, data is anything? No, Data is Wagon Wheel, Data is in this much ball this bowler's match up. People are actually misunderstanding… pic.twitter.com/IkcAiTcnKw

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) March 5, 2026

"See, you can say that in Adil Rashid and Surya's match-up, Adil Rashid bowled so many balls and Surya made so many runs. That could be data. People are actually misunderstanding data. Data is not about giving you the numbers and me just reading them."

England uses data incredibly well- Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin further stated that England is a side that has used the data very well. Over the years, they have been excellent with the data and doing their homework against the cricketers, whether a batter or a bowler. Ashwin has no grudges against the people who do not use data.

"I hope you understand that. There is one thing in the data interpretation. Addressing the data. England uses data incredibly well. I know that. They use it very well there. You must have heard that Ash thinks a lot about the game. I played my own game. I have massive respect for others who don't want to use data."

"Because data is one thing if you can use it, it is your friend. If you don't know how to use it, it is your enemy. The game going forward, players will have to be smart players. You must understand data. That is where the game will take you. Longevity of players will depend on that."

Ravichandran Ashwin compares cricket with examination

R Ashwin compared data with an examination, just like a student studies from a book before going to give an exam, a cricketer should study and understand data before playing a match, and it will help the cricketers to work on their weaknesses and strengths as well.

Ravichandran Ashwin kept on saying, "What is data, Vimal Bhai? You must use data and practice with it. You must keep the data in your hand and analyse it. What is an exam in school? You are reading a book and then giving an exam. It doesn't mean you are going for an exam with an open book. Data is such a thing."

Ravichandran Ashwin finally concluded, saying, "Work with data. What is your strength? What is your weakness? Read it. If you can carry your strength forward, carry it. What is your weakness? Read it and see how to address it. You said I was comfortable. No."

"I was just prepared to spend more time on my preparation. Because if you have data, you have to cross-verify it. You can say Vimal Bhai is weak against bouncers. I will come and bowl a bouncer. Just because you have given me data, I will come and bowl a bouncer. You have hit an uppercut for six."

Also Read: India vs England Weather Report, 2nd Semi-final: Rain forecast for T20 World Cup 2026 match