'I have my reservations about... ' - Indian former cricketer big statement on Ben Stokes after Day 4 of ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

Opening up about Ben Stokes' gritty century in the ongoing fourth Test against India, former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on the much-discussed Bazball theory. While acknowledging the England skipper's brilliant hundred, Ashwin raised concerns about some of the attacking shots played under the aggressive approach. Stokes notched up his 14th Test century, scoring 141 runs off 198 balls, including 11 boundaries and three sixes.

England have been vocal proponents of playing aggressive cricket in the longest format, something they've leaned into heavily in recent years. However, Ashwin believes such aggression isn't always necessary, especially from players capable of batting long. "I have my reservations about the Bazball theory. There is a small line between aggressive cricket and foolish cricket. Ben Stokes used to take on fast bowlers and hit those shots that were caught at mid-off or mid-on. Why? When a batter can play an innings like that at Headingley in the Ashes, what is the need to do all this?" Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat.

Ashwin further emphasized that aggression doesn't have to come at the cost of technique. "If you want to play aggressive cricket, pull a back-of-length ball, hit a drive on the up, but you can be aggressive like this. This ramp shot, reverse sweeps—there is no need to show aggression like this if you have the pedigree," he added.

‘Still England’s Test to lose,’ says Ashwin

Speaking about the match situation, Ashwin maintained that England are firmly in control despite India’s spirited fightback. India were bowled out for 358 in their first innings, while the hosts posted a mammoth 669 in reply, gaining a massive 311-run lead. England then rocked India early in their second innings, reducing them to 0/2.

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However, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill mounted a strong comeback with an unbeaten 174-run stand. Rahul was batting on 87 off 210 balls, while Gill was on 78 off 167. Despite this partnership, Ashwin cautioned against complacency. "It is still England's Test to lose. If you think it will be an easy draw, I have my doubts. You have to pull every string to draw this game. It won't be easy," he remarked. He also noted India’s vulnerability to losing quick wickets after partnerships, adding that the onus is on Rahul and Gill to extend their stay if India is to salvage a draw.