Ravichandran Ashwin, a seasoned Indian cricketer who currently plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, has issued a firm statement of not issuing any comments on his team. In the latest instalment of a YouTube panel show with a cricket discussion, a casual reference to MS Dhoni and CSK was met with an instant response from Ashwin mirroring his resolve to avoid comments on team-related issues. This follows previous criticism regarding analyst comments that appeared on his channel, concerning player selection by CSK.
Ravichandran Ashwin, as much famous for his cricketing abilities as for his YouTube fame, has been less forthcoming in content related to his IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings. On-air commentary during the initial phase of the season about player signings most notably that of Noor Ahmed had viewers and commentators criticizing. The outburst led Ashwin to go on record that he would refrain from speaking about CSK in the future, being professional and staying out of conflict of interest.
On-Air Reaction When Dhoni Was Named
In a recent panel discussion on Ashwin's channel, one of the experts talked of leadership traits and named players such as Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, and MS Dhoni. The moment the name Dhoni was mentioned as regards leadership, Ashwin interrupted at once with a "Shh. shh," looking uneasy. The panelist responded, saying, "I can speak.". I will comment as a spectator here," replied Ashwin sharply back, "I cannot comment on my team." His reply adopted a script of policy that he has been adopting ever since playing with Rajasthan Royals, establishing his strong resolve to not offering commentary on his own franchise.
Ashwin's response marks a general duty towards ethical standards of segregation between sporting media presence and public discourse. As a player and author, Ashwin seems committed to ensuring it stands that a clear line has always been maintained between professional associations and what is conveyed through public comments. Not speaking about CSK on any level even outside regular conversation, Ashwin maintains that active professionals will not show up with phrases meant at public contact viewed as partisan or out of place in front of swaths of citizens.
Having the Same Policy Throughout Teams
This is not the first occasion on which Ashwin has opted for discretion rather than disclosure. He has followed the same line of conduct playing for the Rajasthan Royals, declining to comment on team strategy or leadership when he was contracted to play. His regular adherence to this policy irrespective of the franchise he plays with indicates a personal code of conduct aimed at safeguarding both his own reputation as well as that of the franchise he represents.
The Panelist Exchange Points Out Lines of Divisiveness
The sudden on-air encounter between Ashwin and the panelist brought forth the thin line celebrities have to walk when taking part in live discussions. The panelist maintained that as a viewer, he has the freedom to speak on players such as Dhoni, and Ashwin's adamant refusal to back down pulled out the onus that follows being an active player. His response was not aggressive but one of conviction, reaffirming a sharp differentiation between his public image as a media person and that of being a member of a team.
Appreciation and Support of Ashwin's Stand by the Audience
Ashwin's move was largely appreciated by the audience, who saw it as a step taken in order not to create unnecessary controversies. In a world where the voice is amplified and brought into the spotlight easily, his attempt to stay neutral was appreciated by the masses as well as professionals. It contributes to the image of Ashwin as a sportsman who is transparent and tries to stay away from any controversial issues regarding his own team.
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