Ravichandran Ashwin’s candid reflections on India’s historic 0-3 series loss to New Zealand in 2021 highlight the emotional toll a defeat of such magnitude takes on a player.
Ashwin, who has been a cornerstone of India’s home dominance for over a decade, admitted feeling shattered and frustrated by both the team’s performance and his own individual struggles. The loss was especially painful as it marked India’s first-ever series whitewash at home in 12 years, breaking a 20-year unbeaten streak in home Tests.
Ashwin’s honesty in sharing his personal sense of responsibility is a testament to his character. Despite being one of the most successful bowlers in the world, he didn’t shy away from critiquing himself. His poor individual performances in the series—only 9 wickets in 6 innings and just 51 runs—left him questioning his contributions. He also pointed out how he felt he could never capitalize on the good starts he had, either with bat or ball. His introspection on how he could’ve pushed the momentum in India’s favour during crucial moments demonstrated his commitment to his craft and his desire for self-improvement.
In his discussion, Ashwin also expressed the emotional toll the public reaction to the loss had on him and his teammates. With trolling and criticism flowing heavily on social media, Ashwin felt that the hurt the players felt inside the dressing room was far deeper than what fans could perceive from the outside. His frustration with the way players were being treated, especially when their careers and reputations are at stake, highlighted the fine line between genuine criticism and character assassination. For him, the “criminal offense” was the doubting of a player’s hurt, as no one feels a loss more deeply than those who wear the team’s colors.
Despite the setback, Ashwin’s perspective on defeat was grounded. He acknowledged that no team is invincible and that setbacks are part of the journey. His focus was on learning from the experience and using the loss as a stepping stone to greater success. His belief in the importance of closure and reflection suggests that, while the loss was painful, it would ultimately serve as motivation for the future.
Now, looking ahead to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Ashwin will be hoping to bounce back from a challenging period. His past performances in Australia, while decent, suggest that the upcoming series will be a crucial opportunity for him to silence doubters and prove his worth on the biggest stage. India’s need to win 4-0 to qualify for the World Test Championship final adds extra significance to his role in the team.
Overall, Ashwin’s comments reflect a player who is deeply self-reflective, aware of his weaknesses, and always seeking ways to improve—not just for himself, but for the team. His honesty about the emotional impact of the defeat shows the mental and emotional resilience required to play at the highest level.