WATCH: Ravichandran Ashwin silences panellist during YouTube debate after MS Dhoni’s name mentioned
New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin’s successful YouTube channel has shifted his career focus, making him more of a social media personality than a full-time cricketer. This increased online presence, however, has led to controversies, particularly regarding discussions about his IPL team, the Chennai Super Kings. A recent video required Ashwin to directly request a panelist to avoid mentioning MS Dhoni or the franchise to prevent further issues.
“I’m so happy that you won the match. Ashwin, the only thing is that you’ve led the team a lot. The team that you’ve led has won the TNPL. What I feel is that leadership is very, very important. That leader is someone like Sanju, someone like Shreyas Iyer, someone like Thala Dhoni,” the panellist said told Ashwin in a video. But the CSK spinner had to send a quick reminder.
The panel discussion prompted a response, Ashwin said, “Sshhh. Ssshhhh.”
“No, you shouldn’t be the one talking. I can talk. I’m an audience member,” the panellist tried to clarify.
Former India spinner, who also began his IPL career with CSK, stated that he refrained from discussing his franchise even during his time with the Rajasthan Royals.
“I’ve never spoken about my team in RR as well,” said Ashwin. Hence, clarifying that it isn’t just about the current CSK controversy.
A dispute arose concerning Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) roster selection after former South Africa and Royal Challengers Bengaluru analyst Prasanna Agoram criticized the team’s inclusion of Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad while experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin were already on the team. This controversy prompted questions for CSK coach Stephen Fleming.
“I have no idea. I didn’t even know he had a channel, so I don’t know that stuff. That’s irrelevant,” Fleming had said in a press conference.
Due to escalating controversy, Ashwin announced his channel will cease coverage of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) matches and related content until the end of the 2025 IPL season.
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