Ashwin Under Fire: Krishnamachari Srikkanth Slams CSK Star’s Defensive Bowling
In the aftermath of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) crushing nine-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, former India opener and selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has launched a scathing attack on veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The off-spinner’s lackluster performance has drawn sharp criticism, with Srikkanth questioning Ashwin’s mindset and tactical approach during the high-stakes IPL 2023 clash.
Speaking on his popular YouTube channel, ‘Cheeky Cheeka’, Srikkanth didn’t hold back. “What is Ashwin doing? He has turned completely defensive,” he remarked. “He is not looking to take wickets. It’s as if his only goal is to just get through his four overs without taking any risks. He’s playing it safe, and that’s not what you expect from a bowler of his caliber.”
Srikkanth highlighted Ashwin’s reluctance to attack during crucial phases of the game. “What was the idea behind picking Ashwin for this match? To pick up key wickets and turn the game in CSK’s favor. Instead, he bowled safely in the powerplay, allowing MI batsmen to settle down with easy singles. You have to read the match situation and adapt your bowling accordingly in a tournament like the IPL,” he added.
Ashwin’s numbers this season paint a disappointing picture for the seasoned campaigner. In seven matches, he has managed to scalp only five wickets, averaging a below-par 40.80 with an economy rate hovering around 7.5. For a player known for his guile and ability to outfox batsmen, these stats reflect a worrying dip in form at a time when CSK desperately needs their experienced players to step up.
This isn’t the first time Srikkanth has voiced concerns over Ashwin’s utilization in the IPL. At the start of the tournament, he had suggested a rethink of Ashwin’s role in the bowling attack. “Don’t drop him, but stop using him in the powerplay. Between the 7th and 18th overs, Ashwin can be far more effective. With players like Ravindra Jadeja in the squad, CSK can easily manage their spin bowling resources for at least 10 overs in the middle phase,” Srikkanth had advised earlier.
Expanding his critique beyond Ashwin, Srikkanth also painted a grim picture for CSK’s campaign this season. “I think the season is over for CSK. It’s time to start building for the next year,” he stated bluntly. He pointed fingers at the team management’s decisions during the IPL auction, questioning their choice of players. “Where CSK lost was in the auction itself. If you pick players who don’t fit the team’s ethos or strategy, how can you expect to win matches?” he asked, referencing underwhelming acquisitions as a key reason for their struggles.
Srikkanth also noted comments from CSK captain MS Dhoni, suggesting that even the iconic leader seems frustrated with the team’s performance. “Dhoni has already started talking about the next season. That shows his frustration. He’s right in saying the players need to take ownership and do something extraordinary to turn things around,” Srikkanth observed.
As CSK languishes in the lower half of the IPL 2023 points table with just three wins from eight matches, the pressure mounts on key players like Ashwin to rediscover their form. With tough fixtures ahead, including a blockbuster clash against arch-rivals Royal Challengers Bangalore, the defending champions face an uphill battle to keep their playoff hopes alive. Can Ashwin silence his critics and spin CSK back into contention, or will Srikkanth’s harsh words prove prophetic? Only time will tell.