R Ashwin Joins Hands With Gautam Gambhir; Takes Jibe At Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Another India legend mocks Rohit, Kohli [Source: AFP]

It seems like there is a strong wave of portraying the team over individuals in Indian cricket at the moment, and ever since the Men in Blue captured the T20 World Cup title by defeating New Zealand, the Indian management has constantly taken digs at former cricketers. Mainly, two Indian legends are on the hit-list: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

After winning the World Cup, it was the Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who targeted the two legends by stating that no two individuals are more important than a team, and it seems former cricketer, R Ashwin, echoes the same viewpoint, as he subtly took a dig at Kohli and Rohit.

Ashwin's cheeky dig towards Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Speaking at the RevSportz, Trailblazers Conclave 4.0, Ashwin had a message for the Indian fans, who favoured star culture and are biased towards a few individuals.

“There is more to Indian cricket than just a couple of people," the legendary spinner said.

Apart from the cheeky dig at the two players, R Ashwin also talked about the strong bond he shares with the two stars, and how they were motivated to win every game for India.

“The best part about us was that none of us blamed each other. We all wanted India to win and make the country proud. We were motivated to do that.”

Ashwin backs Gambhir's "team ahead of individuals" statement

The head coach of India, Gautam Gambhir, believes that the team should be put over any individuals, and R Ashwin agrees with the Indian coach’s ideology.

“I like Gautam, and many people may have different opinions about him, but he is someone who always puts the team ahead of individuals,” he said. “He credits the team, not individuals, and that’s something I admire.”

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Breaks Silence On 'Mistakes' That Led To Rift Rumours With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

What Gambhir said about the superstar culture in India

After India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup final, Gambhir spoke his heart out on the superstar culture in India, and this is what the head coach had to say in an interview with ANI.

“The difference between the media and me is that they like creating superstars. My job is to create a super team. That's the difference. It's a simple difference, and that difference will always remain. The media wants to create superstars, but my job as a head coach is to create a super team," Gambhir said.

India is a cricketer loving country, not a cricket loving country

For far too long, Indian cricket has been ruled by individuals, and certain players are worshiped as “Gods”, “Kings”, and “Hitman.” Now, there is nothing wrong with it since these players have been match-winners, and without them, the Indian cricket team wouldn’t have become popular globally.

However, this superstar culture has led to a division in the Indian cricket fraternity. No longer do we support the Indian cricket team, but rather, individuals are worshipped. Team is kept in the backseat, and what our favourite cricketer does becomes the most important.

There is no harm in supporting Kohli, Rohit, or any other player, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of hating your own nation.

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