Ravi Ashwin Vs Laxman Sivaramakrishnan Row - When The Spinner Ignored The Veteran?

Ravi Ashwin Vs Laxman Sivaramakrishnan Row explained [Source: @LaxmanSivarama1, @gullypoint_/X.com]

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, a former Indian cricketer, recently announced his retirement from commentary after 23 years. However, the reaction of Ravichandran Ashwin to his announcement reopened old wounds.

Sivaramakrishnan has been a renowned figure working for the BCCI as a commentator and presenter for the last two decades. However, just days ahead of the IPL 2026, he decided to step down, citing discrimination and favouritism.

When Laxman Sivaramakrishnan accused Ravichandran Ashwin of ignorance

That being said, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan’s retirement announcement on social media went viral because of his explosive remarks. Reacting to this, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said, “Oh no! Why not this IPL?”

Ashwin 🇮🇳

@ashwinravi99

Oh no! Why not this IPL?

While this seemed a measured and neutral reaction, there is more to it than what meets the eye. 

Sivaramakrishnan’s feud with Ashwin goes way back. The tension first went public during Ashwin’s 100th Test milestone in 2024. 

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan took to social media, claiming Ashwin ignored his calls and messages when he tried to congratulate him. He accused the spinner of being disrespectful towards his seniors.

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan

@LaxmanSivarama1

@beastieboy07 @ashwinravi99 Tried calling him a few times to wish him for his 100th Test. Just cut off my call. Sent him a message, no reply. Thats the respect we former cricketers get

That post didn’t go down well with fans. Many pointed out that Sivaramakrishnan had previously criticised Ashwin’s bowling and action. So, expecting a warm response felt hypocritical to fans.

However, Sivaramakrishnan defended himself, saying he only suggested a correction in Ravi Ashwin’s action and did not mean to criticise it. 

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan

@LaxmanSivarama1

@beastieboy07 @ashwinravi99 Respect comes only from cultured people. Btw, I was earlier tweeting about a minor correction in his action and not criticizing him. If only people understood

Also Read - Ravichandran Ashwin Names The 1 Disease That Has Plagued Indian Cricket

Sivaramakrishnan threatens to expose BCCI

Meanwhile, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan retired from BCCI commentary after 23 years. He announced it via social media in a series of emotional and controversial posts.

He hinted that there’s a bigger story behind the scenes and threatened to expose it. Not only that, but Laxman agreed with a comment suggesting he faced colour-based discrimination. 

Apart from this, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan also claimed that despite 23 years of experience, he didn’t get key roles like toss coverage or major on-air segments.

Meanwhile, newer commentators got bigger opportunities. He even indirectly criticised Ravi Shastri’s era, suggesting bias in role allocation. 

Injury crisis hit IPL 2026

Meanwhile, coming back to the IPL 2026, the new season is already clouded due to a sudden injury crisis. Almost every team has been hit before the season even begins.

Harshit Rana (KKR), Nathan Ellis (CSK), Sam Curran (RR), Jack Edwards (SRH) and Atharva Ankolekar (MI) have already been ruled out with respective injuries.

And then a second tier of partial availability players, which includes Pat Cummins (SRH), Josh Hazlewood (RCB), Mitchell Starc (DC), Matheesha Pathirana (KKR), Matthew Short (CSK) and Lockie Ferguson (PBKS).

A major reason behind this crisis is the relentless international cricket calendar, especially with preparations around the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Another important factor is workload management by national boards like Cricket Australia, which are prioritising long-term player fitness over franchise commitments. As a result, franchises are left dealing with uncertainty, often without clarity on when their key players will be available.

Also Read - KKR’s Uncapped Players Who Can Rule IPL 2026