It’s an unfair world, struggling bowlers are dropped but not struggling batters: R Ashwin

R Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024 in the middle of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He ended as India’s second highest wicket-taker across formats after legendary Anil Kumble. The ace spinner will be seen playing for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League 2025.

Meanwhile, he is seen attending events and gatherings while providing fans with a closer look into the game. In one of such events, the right-arm spinner lamented the way bowlers get treated in Indian cricket and highlighted that they have no backing. He cited the example of Australian cricket and hoped for a day when India would start celebrating its bowlers. 

Also Read: Ashwin reveals how he plotted Steve Smith's dismissal in BGT 2020-21

"It is an unfair world. The batters get cocooned, but the bowlers don't. You will find Akash Deep not playing another Test because he didn't get enough wickets in Australia. But you will never find another batter who hasn’t made enough runs not playing another game for India. That’s exactly why Australia is a dominant force in world cricket and Indians aren't,” said Ashwin at AWS AI Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru.

“Even though we have everything, I still think Australia are a dominant force because they know where their roots are and they know bowlers are their main guys who will win Test matches and tournaments. The day we get there, bowlers will start consuming data way better than they do,” he added. 

Speaking of Ashwin, he ended his illustrious career playing 106 Tests, 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is for India. He picked 537 wickets in longer format, while 156 and 72 wickets in white-ball cricket respectively. Meanwhile, he will be back to where he started in 2008, as CSK have roped him in ahead of the 2025 IPL and he will be playing for his local team for first times since 2015.