Ashwin on Kohli’s Advice Backfiring in Australia

Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket in December last year, concluding a remarkable career with 537 Test wickets—the second-highest by an Indian bowler. In addition to his Test achievements, he also claimed 156 wickets in ODIs and 72 in T20Is.

What set Ashwin apart was his deep understanding of the game and his willingness to adapt. He constantly experimented with his bowling techniques to challenge modern-day batters, making him a formidable opponent, particularly in Test cricket. His sharp cricketing intellect and analytical approach played a crucial role in establishing him as a legendary spinner.

While discussing the distinction between bowling skill and wicket-taking ability, Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted how Virat Kohli’s advice to pacer Akash Deep didn’t go as planned during India’s recent Test series in Australia.

Recalling the incident at The Gabba, Ashwin mentioned that Akash Deep was delivering an outstanding spell, even outperforming Jasprit Bumrah at the time. Ashwin, watching from the sidelines, saw Kohli approach the pacer and say, “Bowl straight, buddy.” Right after that, a fielder moved to leg gully. However, Akash Deep then aimed at the body and delivered a few balls down the leg side, which the batter flicked and pulled away. As a result, he lost his rhythm, disrupting his impressive spell, Ashwin shared at the AWS AI Conclave 2025.

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Ashwin explained why such situations occur, stating that in Kohli’s mind, he believed, “That delivery makes me uncomfortable, so if you bowl it to Steve Smith, you’ll get him out.” However, Ashwin emphasized that bowling doesn’t work that way. To consistently hit the right length, a bowler must establish a rhythm, which can be influenced by factors like the ground’s slope, making it difficult to adjust instantly.

He further stressed the importance of understanding a bowler’s momentum. “If a bowler is in the middle of a good spell, it’s best not to interfere. Let him build on it,” Ashwin added.

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