Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has shared his thoughts on freedom of expression when asked about Nathan Lyon saying that he is feeling absolutely “filthy” about being benched from the recent second Ashes 2025-26 Test between Australia and England that was played in Brisbane.

Australia went in with an all-pace attack and left out Lyon from the playing XI as they registered an 8-wicket win. Lyon's remark quickly went viral, with several analysts and fans praising the veteran spinner for being candid and open about his sentiments.

The identical question was put to Ravichandran Ashwin during a conversation on his YouTube channel. It is worth noting that the spinner, who retired from international cricket last December, was often benched during overseas tours, and he never spoke out in public about his feelings.

The presenter asked Ashwin directly if he had ever contemplated doing the same after being told the door. The 39-year-old initially tried to laugh it off but eventually shared his thoughts, stating that doing so in India presents unique problems because a player has a lot at stake and a lot to miss out on.

“Nathan Lyon is lucky. If anyone is dropped from the team, the emotions would be similar to what Lyon expressed in front of the world. He got the media to express his views, and he did just that. The Australian team wouldn't feel bad, and he would play the Adelaide Test. I am just happy for Nathan Lyon.

People have emotions, and they will do just that. However, I cannot express my emotions, because if I do, I will lose out, and only harm will be caused to me. So why will I do that? However, I really respect Nathan Lyon; he let his emotions out. Good on him," said Ashwin on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat.’

Ashwin also stated that Indian players are free to say whatever they want, but they must constantly consider the long-term goal and potential collateral damage.

“We, as Indian cricketers, are allowed to express our opinion. No one is stopping us. But what is collateral damage? Your expression and emotion are not given as much respect because you will be stamped as a person of a certain character for doing that. I hope this will change with the passage of time, and it should,” he said.

Ashwin, who retired as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests, also spoke about the difference in culture and how players here don't find it that easy to share their piece of mind with the public.

“Just take the example of Chris Gayle; he was a high-quality player. He used to hit sixes for fun. He himself said, ‘I am the Universe Boss,’ and we accepted that. Now imagine, tomorrow, Abhishek Sharma comes to the press conference wearing a big chain and exclaims to the world, ‘I am the Universe Boss. Will we accept him? No. Because in our mind, there is a conditioning that we need to credit someone else, no matter how hard we have worked. I hope that really changes,” he concluded.