‘Previously, all teammates were friends, now, they are colleagues’ - Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on current dressing room dynamics

Ravichandran Ashwin’s exclusion from the Indian squad in the World Test Championship Final is still one of the hottest topics in the cricketing world. Several former cricketers including Sachin Tendulkar questioned team India’s strategy as the spin wizard was India’s highest wicket-taker in the last edition of the WTC cycle.

Ashwin himself previously revealed that he would have loved to play the summit clash but 48 hours before the match, he was informed about the decision. Nevertheless, the 36-year-old was spotted helping the team in whichever capacity he could at the Oval and was also seen talking to Rahul Dravid in between breaks.

Notably, after returning to India after the final, Ashwin made a startling comment, saying that his teammates in the Indian dressing room are more like his colleagues these days. He added that previously, it was all about friendship but in modern times, it has completely changed.

“Once upon a time when cricket was played, all your teammates were friends. Now, they are colleagues. There's a big difference, because here people are there to advance themselves and to stride ahead of another person sitting to your right or left. So, nobody's got the time to say, 'okay, boss what are you up to'?" Ashwin told The Indian Express in an interview.

Meanwhile, the cricketer has decided not to take any break as he straightaway joined Dindigul Dragons in the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League. He has already made headlines for his captaincy as his team is currently placed third on the points table.

After the completion of the T20 league, Ashwin is expected to take a break and then join the national squad for the two-match Test series against West Indies. With no signs of slowing down, the off-spinner can prove to be really valuable on the Caribbean soil as spinners often make a mark. Notably, not just against West Indies, given his class and domination, Ashwin can very well be a force to reckon with for India in the ongoing WTC cycle.