Ravichandran Ashwin defends the IPL, says money brings motivation to move ahead

Veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin looked visibly unhappy with many critics calling the IPL as a money laundering business. Some people have always been critical in their view of the cash rich IPL. Many believe that the money corrupts the players and the focus has changed from hardwork to fetching money. However, Ashwin, as per the recent quotes in Times of India, has defended the IPL.

He remarked that branding the IPL as a villain in Indian cricket is totally unfair. He noted that it all depends on an individual how he takes the money factor. If taken in the proper way, Ravichandran Ashwin believes that it can serve as a motivation to move ahead.

“People tend to brand IPL as some sort of a villain to Indian cricket in a lot of ways. It depends how a cricketer address IPL. Any sort of monetary gain that IPL provides is a motivation to move ahead,” quoted Ravichandran Ashwin.

Speaking further on the same note, Ravichandran Ashwin remarked that the IPL is indeed a big move by the BCCI. It gives a better lifetsyle to the cricketers in terms of financial stability. Also, he was direct in pointing out that money brings confidence in an individual. At the very same time, the motivation to play for the national side also matters and it depends on the individuals how they prioritize the things.

“It [IPL] is a massive move by the BCCI to do a tournament like this because it definitely gives a better lifestyle for the cricketer in terms of money. I am sure nothing brings confidence more than money brings to you. Upbringing of a kid matters a lot. How much it means to him to don those Indian colours and go out there and play and excel as a cricketer plays a big role. I have always looked at excellence, try and get better and win a game. When that is the motive I think money just becomes a by-product,” remarked the veteran spinner.

On his leg spin variations

In the recent times, Ashwin has been seen trying out leg spin variations in the domestic games. Commenting on the same, he remarked that he is keen on expanding his armoury and is hence, adding new variations to his style of bowling.

“I used to bowl good leg-breaks with my off-spin action when I was playing league cricket in Chennai. This is part of my plan going into the IPL. I am trying to build a bigger armoury. That is part of it and getting good game time and doing it under pressure is important,” he quoted.

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