'Character assassination shouldn't be done' - R Ashwin breaks silence over criticism after New Zealand whitewash

India were handed a 0-3 loss at home by New Zealand in the recently concluded Test serie. With this, India tasted the first ever whitewash at home with three or more Tests. This was also the first series loss for India since the home defeat to England in 2012. As the Indian team’s one of the longest undefeated home run concluded, fans were highly critical of the players’ performances.

Ravichandran Ashwin, who was part of the team, has lashed out at the people indulged in making negative remarks. It is worth noting that cricket fanatics were particularly upset over Indian team’s lacklustre batting against spin. Moreover, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were also seen struggling against spinners.

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No one can hurt as much as a player in the dressing room: R Ashwin

"It was difficult for me to see how people reacted - how did they react? Everyone should apologise - sir, this is a sport. I just want to say one thing, everyone was hurt, as Indian cricket fans, but let me promise you, no one can hurt as much as a player in the dressing room - so doubting the hurt is criminal, because players make careers & their careers are broken by what they do on the field, so I believe that character assassination shouldn't be done by anyone," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

As India’s 0-3 loss still remains indigestible, the Board of Control for Cricket in India had called for a review meeting over Head Coach, Gautam Gambhirr’s coaching style. As per an Indian Express report, Gambhir joined the meeting virtually. Skipper Rohit Sharma, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, BCCI secretary Jay Shah and resident Roger Binny were also a part of the same. India will next head to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.