SRH vs RR: Virender Sehwag slams Ravichandran Ashwin for recent remarks on T20 cricket; warns him of losing IPL contract

Veteran India and Rajasthan Royals (RR) off-spinner  Ravichandran Ashwin has made headlines for his perspective on the evolving nature of T20 cricket, as he was defending his poor performance with the ball in the ongoing IPL 2024. Now, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag expressed his anger at Ashwin for his remarks.

Despite not being able to take wickets regularly this season, Ashwin said that his role is more of a holding bowler for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) than a wicket-taking one in the tournament. Notably, Ashwin has taken only 2 wickets in the 8 matches that he has so far played in the ongoing IPL 2024.

The Indian off-spinner also said that the technology employed by teams suggests a growing trend where containing runs is prioritized over taking wickets. He also mentioned that taking wickets does not really matter in the T20 format. Well, Sehwag compared Ashwin's statement to KL Rahul's take on strike rate in T20s.

 Ravichandran Ashwin may not even get picked in the auction next year: Virender Sehwag

Offering a contrasting view to that of Ashwin, the former Indian batter said that the Indian off-spinner’s perspective may be influenced by his own mindset. Sehwag also stressed the importance of wicket-taking in T20 cricket, saying the bowlers who cannot consistently pick up wickets, will not get a place in his team.

He also warned Ashwin that he may fail to secure an IPL contract next year. Virender Sehwag said on Cricbuzz: “This is the same as when KL Rahul had said that the strike rate is overrated. Same thing. He said it for batting, Ashwin has said it for bowling that it doesn't matter if you get the wickets.

If his stats aren't good, then he may not even get picked in the auction next year. When you pick a bowler, do you expect him to give away 25-30 runs or do you expect him to give you wickets and become man of the match twice or thrice?”

".....why he bowls his carrom bowl": Virender Sehwag

The 45-year-old also noted that Ashwin's compatriots, including the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, are picking up wickets regularly for their teams in the ongoing IPL 2024. He also questioned Ashwin’s bowling trick of using carrom bowls to hide his weakness with the ball.

Sehwag added, “All his competitors - Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav or anyone else - are getting the wickets. He thinks if he bowls off spin then anyone will hit him. Which is why he bowls his carrom bowl, which is why he is not getting any wickets. Maybe if he believes in his off spin or doosra, he can bag more wickets.

But that's his mindset. But if I were a mentor or a coach of a franchise, I wouldn't think like that. If my bowler is thinking about saving runs and not taking wickets, he won't find a place in the team.”

However, the Royals are in great form in the ongoing IPL 2024 and are leading the points table with 16 points from nine games. They have lost only one game so far this season and are one of the strong contenders to lift the IPL trophy this year. RR will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 2.