'Just cut off my call' - L Sivaramakrishnan makes bold remark on Ashwin response to former's congratulatory messages

Just a day before the Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will achieve a historic milestone by becoming only the third Indian spinner to play 100 Tests, controversy has erupted over allegations made by former spinner and commentator Laxman Sivaramakrishnan.

In a post on social media platform X, Sivaramakrishnan claimed that the milestone man disrespected him by cutting his calls and ignoring his messages when he tried to convey well-wishes ahead of the landmark occasion, leaving him feeling snubbed by the celebrated off-spinner.

Also Read: R Ashwin opens up on bowling to Smith, Root and Williamson ahead of historic 100th Test

In response to a series of tweets lauding Ashwin's achievement, Sivaramakrishnan voiced his frustration, stating, “Tried calling him a few times to wish him for his 100th Test. Just cut off my call. Sent him a message, no reply. That's the respect we former cricketers get,” Sivaramakrishnan wrote, taking a dig at Ashwin's perceived lack of courtesy.

The allegations have cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for Ashwin and Indian cricket. Online users resurfaced his previous critical comments about Ashwin which date back to October 2022, when the former spinner had criticized Ashwin's bowling action and fielding abilities, labelling him as “unfit” and a “liability.”

'Respect comes only from cultured people' — Laxman Sivaramakrishnan

However, Sivaramakrishnan defended himself by clarifying that his intentions were merely to provide constructive criticism regarding Ashwin's bowling action, not to disparage him. “Respect comes only from cultured people. Btw, I was earlier tweeting about a minor correction in his action and not criticizing him. If only people understood,” he wrote.

Also Read: Ashwin calls 2012 England Test series as 'turning point' of his career ahead of 100th Test

“Ravi Ashwin was nice enough to call me just a while ago to discuss his bowling action, he was as shocked with the venom of the trolls as I was. Also clarified that the people involved are in NO WAY connected to him. GOOD LUCK @ashwinravi99. Do us proud,” Sivaramakrishnan wrote further in another post on his X handle.

Amid the controversy, Ashwin has maintained a dignified silence, preferring to let his performances on the field do the talking.