R Ashwin on Team India’s Superstar Culture
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has emphasized the need to normalize the culture in Indian cricket, amid growing calls to end the superstar culture in the team. This discussion has gained momentum following India’s defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In response, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has imposed various restrictions on players.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated that cricketers are not actors and that superstardom should not be encouraged in the Indian cricket team. The Tamil Nadu spinner believes that cricketers should remain relatable to the common man. He also stressed the urgent need to normalize the situation for the team’s overall progress.
“Superstar Culture Should Not Be Encouraged” – R Ashwin
Ashwin said, “It is important to normalize things in Indian cricket. We should not encourage superstardom or a superstar culture in the Indian cricket team. We should work towards normalizing these aspects as we move forward. We are cricketers, not actors or superstars. We are sportsmen and should be individuals with whom ordinary people can connect and relate.”
Ashwin Cites the Example of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
The former spinner further added, “For example, if you are Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, who have achieved a lot, scoring another century should not be seen as just a personal milestone. It should be viewed as part of a bigger goal, not just individual success.”
Gautam Gambhir’s Steps Towards Ending Superstar Culture
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has already taken steps to end the superstar culture within the team. The BCCI has also issued clear instructions to players, stating that no player will be allowed to travel separately from the team. Going forward, all players will travel together on the same team bus, reinforcing a sense of unity within the squad.
