Ravichandran Ashwin stirred conversation on social media after reacting to Laxman Sivaramakrishnan’s retirement from commentary under the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Sivaramakrishnan, who had been part of the commentary circuit for over two decades, announced his decision on X, prompting widespread reactions from fans and the cricket fraternity.
Ashwin’s six-word reply, “Oh no! Why not this IPL?”, quickly grabbed attention, especially given the past friction between the two. In 2023, Sivaramakrishnan had criticised Ashwin, alleging that Indian pitches were tailored to suit him and pointing to his struggles in SENA countries. The remarks had sparked debate among fans and experts.
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The tension appeared to deepen when Sivaramakrishnan claimed in 2024 that Ashwin ignored his attempts to reach out before his 100th Test, raising questions about mutual respect between former and current players.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Sivaramakrishnan alleged racism within the system, claiming he was overlooked for key on-air roles like toss and presentation duties despite years of experience. His statements have yet to receive an official response from the BCCI.
A member of India’s 1985 World Championship-winning squad, Sivaramakrishnan remains a notable figure, both for his playing career and outspoken views post-retirement.
