In a direct and witty response to ongoing social media rumours, legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has once again used his platform to clear up any talk of a rift with former captain Virat Kohli.

On January 29, Ashwin addressed a viral post that claimed he had made an ‘indirect attack’ on Kohli, saying that the two cricket veterans are still as close as ever.

The rumours started after a video on Ashwin’s YouTube channel where he talked about India’s T20I performance. Some social media users said Ashwin was indirectly targeting Kohli because he praised Rohit Sharma for improving India’s aggressive batting style but did not mention Kohli’s 76-run innings in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Fans claimed this was a way to downplay Kohli’s contribution.

🚨🚨 Ravi Ashwin again indirectly attacks Virat Kohli & hypes Rohit Sharma in T2OIs. He said:

"sure, we won T2OI WC Final in 2024 WC but we were easily losing that game, we won due to Bumrah's brilliance & Suryakumar Yadav's catch otherwise South Africa were winning. We used to… pic.twitter.com/7vXhF3W5eg

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) January 26, 2026

The former Indian spinner quickly ended the rumours by saying he had personally called Kohli, and the two laughed together about the unnecessary controversy.

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Ashwin Clears the Air

Ashwin, known for his sharp mind both on the field and on social media, chose to avoid public drama by calling Kohli directly. His post was a clear response to online ‘fan wars’ that often pit India’s biggest stars against each other.

Ashwin wrote on X:

“Just spoke to Virat about concern on the indirect attack, and we both had a good laugh about how social media works on such clickbait fan wars. Thanks for giving us a reason to bond and talk.”

Just spoke to Virat about “Rajiv1841’s” concern on the indirect attack and we both had a good laugh about how social media works on such click baity fan wars.

Thanks for giving us a reason to bond and talk.☺️☺️ https://t.co/0tXfxoNM6y

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 29, 2026

Kohli’s Legacy in T20I and ODI

Virat Kohli’s T20I career ended on June 29, 2024, when he led India to a World Cup win with a match-winning 76 off 59 balls against South Africa. He was named Player of the Match and retired from T20Is with 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69.

In the home series against New Zealand in January 2026, Kohli showed his classic form. He scored his 54th ODI century with 124 off 108 balls in the third match and made 93 in the series opener. Even after being briefly displaced from the World No. 1 ODI ranking on January 21, 2026, he remains at No. 2 with 795 rating points, ahead of rivals like Ibrahim Zadran and Rohit Sharma.

Dew once again became a big talking point in T20 cricket. India legend Ravichandran Ashwin shared his clear views on playing conditions during the T20I series against New Zealand.

India beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I on Friday, January 23. The match was played at night, and dew made bowling very difficult. New Zealand scored 208/6 while batting first. India then chased the target comfortably in just 15.2 overs. The New Zealand bowlers had a tough outing.

Ashwin said T20 matches should start earlier if dew is expected later. He added that in a country like India, where competition is very high, bowling in such conditions and conceding runs can damage a player’s career. Ashwin called the conditions unfair.

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Ashwin Calls Dew Conditions ‘Unfair’ for Bowlers

India legend Ravichandran Ashwin shared his views on playing conditions during the T20I series against New Zealand. Speaking on ‘Ash ki Baat’, Ashwin said matches should be played earlier in the day if dew is expected at night.

“The games can be played in the afternoon. If there is dew, at least play in the day or choose different venues,” Ashwin said. He added that teams like New Zealand may not worry much about such conditions, but it is a big issue for teams like India.

“In a team like India, if a player does not do well in two games and then bowls in such conditions in the third match and goes for runs, his career will be over. It is unfair to play in such conditions,” he said.

Ashwin also said India needs better planning and records for each venue, like other countries.

“Other countries have records of how the wicket will behave and what the par score is for every ground. We must also have such records,” he added.

Ashwin Worried About Dew in T20 World Cup 2026

Ashwin also spoke about the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. He said he hopes the matches in India are not affected by dew. “If dew comes in, skill will go out of the window. Teams will depend a lot on the toss,” Ashwin said. He added that a World Cup should not be decided by conditions.

“I don’t want to see a multinational World Cup dictated by dew. Skill should be at the front,” he said.

Ashwin Praises Indian Batters Despite Conditions

Ashwin said conditions should allow bowlers to fight back if they work hard, but that is not happening because of dew.

“If you have a bad day, conditions should allow you to fight with hard work. Dew can kill the beauty of the game,” he said.

However, Ashwin made it clear that he was not taking credit away from the batters.

“The way Ishan batted was brilliant. Some of the shots Surya played, you cannot praise them enough,” he said. Ishan Kishan scored 76 runs off 32 balls, while captain Surya Kumar Yadav remained unbeaten on 82 off 37 balls.

The legendary all-rounder of the Indian cricket team, Ravichandran Ashwin, has questioned the management, following the absence of their left-arm pacer, Arshdeep Singh, from the playing XI for the first two ODIs against New Zealand at the VCA Stadium in Vadodara and the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. 

Arshdeep Singh is a part of India’s three-match ODI series against the Blackcaps, but he has been benched in both games of the series. Ashwin, the second leading wicket-taker in history, feels that the think-tank needs to understand what they are doing to the morale of the Punjab pacer.

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“The contest is between the bowlers. For South Africa, you need a hit-the-deck bowler. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana both need a match experience so that I can understand their thinking. But no one is thinking about Arshdeep Singh, who will stand in his shoes and think? This is not about how much he has played and how much he hasn't played.” Ashwin expressed on his YouTube channel.

Ravichandran Ashwin questions Arshdeep Singh’s absence in IND vs NZ ODIs

Arshdeep is also part of India’s T20I series for five games at home against the Blackcaps and will then feature in the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 07 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The management is believed to be managing the workload of the fast bowler.

“What must he be thinking right now? He has done so much, yet he is still fighting for his spot. Whenever he plays next, he will be rusty. No matter what you say, this is a game of confidence. Why does this happen to the bowlers at all times? It never happens with the batters.” Ashwin shed light during the interaction.

“I have been in this position, so I know how it is. This is why I am fighting for Arshdeep Singh. Whenever you have given him the ball, he has performed for you. Allow him to walk into the playing XI with his head held high. He deserves this boss.” The former spinner reckoned.

The cricket world was shocked after former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn was reported to be seriously ill and placed in an induced coma. He fell sick on Boxing Day and was admitted to the Gold Coast University Hospital, where he is being treated for meningitis.

Former teammate Adam Gilchrist shared an update on Martyn’s health during a Big Bash League match between Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers. Gilchrist said Martyn is still in the hospital, but added that recent medical tests have shown positive signs over the last 24 hours.

Gilchrist also thanked fans for their support and prayers. He said there has been a lot of love for Martyn, calling him a great player and a wonderful person, and expressed hope that he continues to recover.

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#cricket 🏏 Former Australian Test star Damien Martyn is making progress in his battle against meningitis, with close friend Adam Gilchrist providing an update ▶️ https://t.co/L2z4IYQ2g2 pic.twitter.com/Pw21HjGvkt

— The Daily Telegraph (@dailytelegraph) January 1, 2026

Adam Gilchrist thanked fans and well-wishers on behalf of Damien Martyn and his family for the love and support during this difficult time.

“On behalf of Damien Martyn, a great friend and former teammate, and on behalf of his family and his partner, Amanda, thank you to everyone for the heartfelt love, wishes, and care,” Gilchrist said. He added that Martyn’s family truly appreciated the concern shown by people.

Gilchrist also shared that he had played with Martyn at the under-17 level, as well as for Western Australia and Australia, and described him as a close friend.

Former cricketers send support messages

Several former cricketers wished Martyn a speedy recovery. Former Australia Test player Rodney Hogg said, “We wish him all the best. This is shocking news.”

Former teammate Darren Lehmann shared a message on X, saying, “Lots of love and prayers to Damien Martyn. Stay strong and keep fighting. Love to the family.”

Ex-Western Australia teammate Ryan Campbell also posted his support, saying he was sending love and best wishes to Martyn and his family.

Thoughts and prayers to Damien Martyn and his family. Keep fighting bud!

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) December 31, 2025

Thoughts and prayers with @damienmartyn for a speedy recovery. You’re a fighter, champ…and all of us are rooting for you. Godspeed 🙌

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 31, 2025

Thoughts are with @damienmartyn

Prayers to see him bounce back🙏

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 31, 2025

Cricket world prays for Martyn’s recovery

Since the news of Martyn’s serious condition came out, there has been concern across the cricket world and among fans. Former cricketers such as Dale Steyn, Ravichandran Ashwin, Aakash Chopra, VVS Laxman, and Michael Vaughan also wished for the 54-year-old’s quick recovery.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin praised defending IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru for signing New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy at his base price during the IPL mini auction. Ashwin called the move a smart and valuable buy considering Duffy’s recent performances.

The 31-year-old right-arm pacer has been in excellent form and is currently ranked number two among bowlers in T20 internationals. His strong performances across all major formats have established him as one of the top bowling performers this year.

Duffy recently impressed in the third and final Test against the West Indies, where he took nine wickets. His effort helped New Zealand register a big 323-run victory in the match.

Ashwin Calls 2025 Jacob Duffy’s “Coming of Age” Year

With his nine-wicket haul, Duffy also broke a long-standing New Zealand record. He went past the 40-year-old record of Richard Hadlee by becoming the Kiwi bowler with the most wickets in a single calendar year. Duffy has taken 81 wickets in 2025, beating Hadlee’s 79 wickets from 1985.  In the three-match Test series against the West Indies, Duffy picked up a five-wicket haul in each game and finished with 23 wickets. Ashwin took note of these performances and said that 2025 has been Duffy’s “coming of age” year as a cricketer.

What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is turning out to be. 2025 has been his coming of age year.

23 wickets at 15.43, 40.3 Strike rate and MOS in the tests against Windies.

He’s also the current #2 ranked T20I bowler, with a sensational 2025 in T20s with 57 wickets at 18.9, 7.89… pic.twitter.com/Oda9LxdqxX

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 22, 2025

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Ashwin wrote on X that Duffy is operating at peak efficiency, highlighting his strong Test numbers and impressive T20 record. He also said that RCB picking him up at a base price of INR 2 crore was an “absolute steal” and a sensational move.

RCB signed Duffy for INR 2 crore at the mini auction in Abu Dhabi. This will be his first season in the Indian Premier League, where he could act as a like-for-like replacement for Josh Hazlewood if needed.

Unlike many pundits of the game who have expressed their shocking reaction to the omission of Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, the former Indian off-spin all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, felt it was only a formality when the opener got injured and was out of the fifth T20I against South Africa.

Gill picked up the injury during a net practice for the Lucknow T20I, which ruled him out of the fifth clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The selectors, 12 hours later, announced Ishan Kishan’s arrival in the ICC event as Gill missed out on a home World Cup.

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“Obviously, Shubman Gill had been given a lot of backing. The selectors showed a lot of faith because he was directly appointed vice-captain. Right now, it has become very clear what looks like a perfect combination. I believe the feedback should also have come from the Indian team management.” Ashwin expressed on his YouTube channel.

Ravichandran Ashwin not surprised at Shubman Gill’s omission

It hasn’t been a supreme year with the bat in the shortest format for Gill, who has an average of around 20 in T20Is this year without a single fifty to his name. He continued the same struggle even in the Protea series.

“We have to remember that India changed their style of play inside the powerplay. Rohit (Sharma) had shown it in the last World Cup. And that’s the style they wanted to continue. And Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma personify that particular passage and pattern of play.” Ashwin shed light during the interaction.

“Actually, this is irrelevant. I have said before that the combination and formula will change. I am not surprised. Because I think the way it was going, and we also talked about that you should give the next two T20s if he is available. Unfortunately, Shubman got injured, and the way he got injured and Sanju came into the side, it was only a formality that this was going to happen.” The Chennai-born concluded.

The X, formerly known as Twitter, has found another hilarious interaction of Rohit Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha, whom the former has called the best wicket-keeper in India, due to his exceptional keeping against two of India’s premier spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, who tend to bring variation to his bowling every now and then.

In one of those videos that has gone viral around social media, Ravichandran Ashwin has commented on Rohit’s funny side and how he makes the mood light in any conversation. Besides that, he has also admitted that Saha had been the best keeper of the country in Test matches. 

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“Rohit being Rohit! Aaj tak mujhe bhee nahin pata ki maine kausee gendh phenke (Till today, I don’t even know what kind of deliveries I bowled at the batters). Jokes apart! What a keeper Wriddhiman Saha was.” Ashwin quoted on a video of Rohit Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha.

Ravichandran Ashwin echoes on Rohit Sharma’s statement about Wriddhiman Saha’s keeping

Saha has overall smashed 1353 runs in 56 innings of the red-ball encounters at an average of around 30 with the help of three centuries and six half-centuries at the best score of 117. Even in first-class cricket, the Bengal and Tripura player has smacked 7169 runs in 210 innings with the help of 14 centuries and 44 fifties.

Watch the video here: 

🤣🤣 Rohit being Rohit!

Aaj tak mujhe bhee nahin pata ki maine kausee gendh phenkee.

Jokes apart ! What a keeper Saha was 🔥🔥 https://t.co/mnn5l5pSbF

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 19, 2025

“You guys all know how many Tests we both played together, whether it was in India or outside of it. We stood together at the slip (him being the wicket-keeper). I have grabbed 2-3 catches before Saha, who has also picked up 2-3 catches before me. But we haven’t seen such a keeper in India. He is India’s best wicket-keeper. There is no doubt in it.” Rohit expressed in the video.

“It doesn’t matter what I said. You have seen the Tests whenever we played. In India, the ball tends to get slow and low on the surfaces. So, to keep focus and keep against Jadeja, who bowls fast, or to Ashwin, who varies a lot of deliveries in his over, is exceptional, and Saha has picked all the balls. Isn’t it?” The Nagpur-born addressed.

India’s T20I vice-captain, Shubman Gill, has found himself under tremendous pressure heading into the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka and could get two more realistic chances to leave a mark among the spectators when they pick the 15-member squad for the ICC event.

The former Indian spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, expressed his concern given the responsibility Gill carries in the team and reckoned that dropping the batter would be a tough decision by the management. He feel that Sanju Samson may come after Gill gets full five games to regain his form.

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“I am a little concerned. Shubman is not only the opener but also the vice-captain. How will you remove the vice-captain? It is going to be an incredibly tough decision. If you have to take that decision, inside this series you can’t bring Samson because it does not look nice to drop the vice-captain. You can ask whether vice-captains have been dropped in the past or not.” Ashwin expressed in his YouTube channel.

Ravichandran Ashwin reacts to Shubman Gill’s continuous T20I struggle

Ashwin was impressed with India’s bowling performance in the third game against South Africa in Dharamshala where he reckoned that the bowlers’ fabulous line and length helped the hosts to restrict the opponents to a low score that they were able to chase quiet comfortably.

But he has been taken and should be given a fair run. If he does not perform in the five games, then a decision will have to be made. You should know your best XI and best squad (for T20 WC) by now. I don’t think there are any doubts in the bowling. That department is sealed. Another good message is that Harshit Rana is showing what he is capable of.” Ashwin shed light. 

“He is executing what he is good at. The only question is, if Shubman doesn’t make the runs, should he be there or should Samson be playing. The only unfortunate thing from here on I do not want to see is Gill making runs at a lesser strike rate. That should not happen.” The Chennai-born concluded. 

"Looks like someone is playing with his account..." netizens are wondering why Ravichandran Ashwin shared a photo of Sunny Leone in one of his social media posts. The photo of Sunny Leone is with a photo of a Tamil Nadu street. Why did Ahswin share the photo? What is the hidden meaning behind it?

It is worth mentioning that Ravichandran Ashwin, a former Indian cricketer, consciously shared the photo with an emoji as the caption. Actually, a young Tamil Nadu all-rounder, Sunny Sindhu, just played an explosive knock in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT 2025). During the Tamil Nadu vs Saurashtra SMAT 2025 match, the 22-year-old played a 30-run innings against only 9 deliveries. That explosive innings was laced with three boundaries and a couple of over-boundaries, which took his strike rate to 333.33 – some unbelievable numbers to show individual batting brilliance.

It was only the second SMAT 2025 match. In the previous game of the tournament, the lower-middle-order batter scored only 11 runs, and in the next match, a flurry of fours and sixes.

Read More: England face huge blow as star player ruled out of Ashes 2025/26

Why did Ravichandran Ashwin share Sunny Leone's photo? 

👀 👀 pic.twitter.com/BgevYfPyPJ

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 9, 2025

Sunny came under the spotlight for his promising performance in the 2025 edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) for Salem Spartans. More than the bowling skills, it was his batting talent which caught cricket fans' attentions. During the Salem vs Trichy match, Sindhu played 45 runs, playing 27 deliveries powered by one boundary and 4 over-boundaries. He claimed a couple of wickets as well in the match. Another two notable knocks from the emerging cricketer were against Chepauk and Dindigul when he smashed 30 and 25 runs, respectively.

Now, let's decode the photo Ravichandran Ashwin shared on 'X'. It is believed that Sunny Leone's photo was paired with a Tamil Nadu street labelled "Sandhu Veedu" (Sandhu's house/alley). It likely hints at Sunny Sandhu, a 22-year-old Tamil Nadu cricketer (right-arm pacer/all-rounder) who's impressed in TNPL and U23 games. Ashwin's "👀" emoji in the caption suggests "watch this talent".

Post Australia’s opening day at the second day-night Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, their premier spinner, Nathan Lyon, dropped a statement of how he was not happy to get dropped, with the management bringing Michael Neser into the playing eleven. Many praised the spinner for his blunt statement.

The former Indian spin all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, also lauded Lyon for expressing his emotions but explained why he can’t do something like that. He pointed out how the Indian cricketers, even after having freedom to express their opinion, could face collateral damage in the long run.

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“Nathan Lyon is lucky. If anyone is dropped from the team, the emotions would be similar to what Lyon expressed in front of the world. He got the media to express his views, and he did just that. The Australian team wouldn't feel bad, and he would play the Adelaide Test. I am just happy for Nathan Lyon.” Ashwin expressed in his YouTube video.

Ravichandran Ashwin drops surprising statement on Nathan Lyon’s comments from Ashes 2025/26

Ashwin also compared how the entire generation has accepted Chris Gayle for addressing himself as the Universe Boss. But he highlighted how they can’t note the same for the left-handed opening batter of the Blue Brigade, Abhishek Sharma. He hopes that there will be a cultural shift and that players are not judged for their opinions.

“People have emotions, and they will do just that. However, I cannot express my emotions, because if I do, I will lose out, and only harm will be caused. So why will I do that? However, I really respect Nathan Lyon; he let his emotions out. Good on him.” Ashwin noted in the video.

“We, as Indian cricketers, are allowed to express our opinion. No one is stopping us. But what is collateral damage? Your expression and emotion are not given as much respect because you will be stamped as a person of a certain character for doing that. I hope this will change with the passage of time, and it should.” The 37-year-old included.