There is collateral damage if Indian cricketers talk with freedom: Ravichandran Ashwin
Lyon, who was recently dropped from a home Test for the first time since January 2012, had openly voiced his disappointment.
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has commented on how he viewed Nathan Lyon's recent statements directed towards the Australian selectors. Lyon, who was recently dropped from a home Test for the first time since January 2012, had openly voiced his disappointment.
Lyon spoke how he felt 'absolutely filthy' and mentioned that he had to distance himself from the head coach and the chief selector during the second Test of the Ashes to process the decision. Ashwin brought up a new angle and questioned the Indian media and cricket fraternity for judging Indian players if they issue such a statement and being fine if an overseas cricketer like Lyon did.
"I will take Chris Gayle's example. He came out and said he is the Universe Boss. Tomorrow, if Abhishek, who is also hitting like him and is a generational talent, comes and sits with a chain and says he is the 'boss', will we accept him? We accept others but not our own players. There is freedom to talk but collateral damage happens. You will be stamped as a person of a certain character. I am hoping it will change and it should," shared Ashwin in a video on his YouTube channel.
Although Lyon did not agree with his dropping, he had concluded by stating that he will do whatever it takes to get the team ready for the Gabba Test. Despite this, his remarks gained a lot of traction, with people from all over the globe commenting on the sheer bluntness of them.
Smith explains why Neser was picked & not Lyon in 2nd Test
Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli and Ashwin himself have copped criticism from the Indian cricket fans themselves for pointing out blatant issues when it comes to leadership and selection processes in the past. Other Indian cricketers have also not been spared whenever they have voiced dissent.
Speaking of Lyon's home record in Tests for Australia, the veteran has picked up 268 wickets in 73 matches at an average of 31.11. He has been one of the few spinners from the SENA region who has been equally effective in non-spin-friendly conditions, barring the likes of Shane Warne.
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