Former India spinner R Ashwin was absolutely unhappy with a fan on the social media platform posting “Ranji Trophy is blessed”, as Virat Kohli played his first domestic red-ball game for Delhi after 12 years.
Virat Kohli played for Delhi in their recent match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. While Delhi registered a comfortable innings and 19-run win over Railways, Virat Kohli’s outing in the match was poor.
Kohli, batting at no.4, managed to hit one boundary before he was clean bowled by Himanshu Sangwan with a ball that nipped in off the pitch as Kohli was trying to play an expansive drive. Kohli just scored 6 runs in 15 balls.
While there's no disputing that Virat has been struggling for a long time, it's his fan following that has disappointed former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin the most. Ashwin lost his cool after hearing a fan's insult and proceeded to teach him a cricket lesson.
Kohli's Ranji Trophy return confirmed his determination to continue playing Test cricket, despite 'outside voices' urging him to walk on. Ashwin, on the other hand, believes that the kind of audience Kohli attracted at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium should be there for every Ranji Trophy match.
"It's a great thing when it comes to Virat Kohli. He is extremely motivated. I know that. He intends to play Test cricket and do well. I actually think he has a lot left in the tank. But all said and done, the crowd that turned up, it was great. " Ashwin said on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat', that such crowds should be there for every Ranji Trophy match.
Ashwin, referencing the 'Ranji Trophy is blessed with Kohli's return' post on X (previously Twitter), attacked the fan, pointing out that even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar played the Ranji Trophy whenever possible.
"I saw one tweet saying 'Ranji Trophy is blessed'. I would just say, pay some attention. Do you even know the history of the Ranji Trophy? It has been going on for so many years. It has been a premier tournament.
Sachin Tendulkar, who is a legendary cricketer, used to play the Ranji Trophy at all times. Players benefit from playing in the tournament. For cricket, players are not important, but for players, cricket is very important," Ashwin said.
Ashwin also had some nice words to say about Himanshu Sangwan, the Railway's pacer who shot to stardom by dismissing Virat, saying he isn't an 'ordinary bowler'.
"Himanshu Sangwan delivered a phenomenal ball. He is not an ordinary Ranji Trophy bowler. He is a tested performer. He is a gold-dust performer. He bowled an exceptional delivery. There was a gap between the pad and the bat, it was a class delivery. The ball deserved a wicket.
I saw him (Virat Kohli) batting. His bat was coming down a little faster. Sometimes, you have to adjust to the speed. When you face 140-145kmph bowlers regularly, you need to adjust to the pace. Time in the middle, nothing can beat it," he added.
"The fandom and love that Virat Kohli gets is enviable. I am so happy for Virat that he has these sorts of fans. Totally happy for Virat Kohli," he added.
