Ravichandran Ashwin issues big statement on Narendra Modi Stadium ‘curse’

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has dismissed the idea that the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will bring bad luck to the Indian cricket team. Ravichandran Ashwin also stated that the team is not worried about past results, as they have won many matches at the venue in international cricket.

The much-awaited final match of the T20 World Cup 2026 will take place on Sunday, March 8. India, under Rohit Sharma, beat New Zealand by four wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai last year. However, playing in Ahmedabad brings back some bad memories for Indian cricket fans.

They suffered a massive heartbreak against Australia in the ODI World Cup final at this venue in 2023. India also suffered a big 76-run loss against South Africa at the same venue earlier in the Super 8 stage of this tournament.

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You Can Lose a Game at a Venue and Win the Next One - Ravichandran Ashwin

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin stated that India also have fond memories in Ahmedabad. Ashwin added that India won back-to-back ICC trophies in white-ball cricket after a long drought.

“No, not at all. You can lose a game at a venue and win the next one. What’s the big deal? We have actually won many matches at that stadium as well. So please don’t make it about the stadium. There is no taboo when it comes to venues," Ashwin said.

"Yes, it might cross your mind once in a while, but people had been saying for 10 years that we hadn’t won an ICC trophy. Then within a span of a year or six months, we won two ICC trophies. Things change very quickly. I don’t think it should come in the way."

"Maybe that pressure will exist at some point, but right now I don’t think the team is thinking along those lines,” he added.

🚨 R ASHWIN COMES IN SUPPORT OF AHMEDABAD STADIUM

"You can win one match and lose another. Let's not make it about a venue. There are no taboos around a stadium. We hadn't won any ICC tournament for 10 years but within a span of 1 year, we won 2 ICC trophies." pic.twitter.com/kmGDfNyA3d

— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) March 8, 2026

It Will Definitely Suit India - Ravichandran Ashwin on Ahmedabad Pitch

The pitch in Ahmedabad usually favors the batters and the fast bowlers. Ashwin believes the pitch will help the fast bowlers and added that the conditions will be perfect for the home side.

“South Africa and Canada played one match on this pitch, and the same surface is going to be used again. There was bounce and pace in that wicket as well. Kagiso Rabada was hurrying the batters," Ashwin noted.

"We can’t make too many conclusions by looking at the Canada batters, but I just feel it will be a really good pitch. If the wicket has pace and bounce, it will definitely suit India," he stated.

New Zealand Have Absolutely No Pressure - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin said that the Mitchell Santner-led team has an advantage because they don't have to face expectations from a massive crowd in the stadium.

"But let’s understand one thing - New Zealand have absolutely no pressure. They usually don’t carry big expectations. I don’t think they have this many people constantly behind the team putting pressure on them. For them, even reaching the final is a big achievement,” Ashwin stated.

New Zealand will enter the final with high confidence, as they have never lost a T20 World Cup game against India. However, they will also be desperate to cross the finish line after losing the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cup finals, as well as the 2021 T20 World Cup final.

Also read: Ayush Mhatre’s Rohit Sharma praise creates buzz in CSK camp