Indian cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar has recently criticized the management of the Indian cricket team for failing to acknowledge Ravichandran Ashwin as a leader and for not granting him the "even the honour" of the vice-captaincy. Despite this oversight, Ashwin, who concluded his career last week after the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane, expressed that he does not lament the missed chance to captain the national team.

Ashwin has previously held captaincy roles in various domestic formats, including leading the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League for two seasons and captaining his team in the most recent Tamil Nadu Premier League. Although he is recognized as a strategic and astute captain, he has not been afforded the opportunity to be considered among those capable of leading the Indian national team.

In his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar remarked: “Ashwin would have made an excellent captain for India, yet he was denied even the honor of being the vice-captain. There was a chance to bestow this overdue recognition upon him, even if it was just for a token Test match or a limited-overs series, but that opportunity was also taken from him.”

‘I'm smart enough to know what works for me’

After his retirement, Ashwin shared candid thoughts with Sky Cricket regarding his missed opportunity to captain the Indian cricket team. He acknowledged that, despite believing he possessed the qualities necessary for leadership—having previously captained Tamil Nadu in his early first-class career—he harbors no regrets about the BCCI selectors not recognizing his potential in this role.

"I consider myself perceptive enough to understand what suits me and what may not suit others. Throughout my career, I was given the chance to captain in first-class cricket quite early on, and I led the team to several tournament victories. I felt confident in my abilities. However, I do not regret not having the opportunity to lead my country. These are factors beyond my control. I have come to realize that someone must believe in my capability to lead, and I need the support of another 15-20 individuals to effectively guide the team with dignity and success," he stated.

"This particular phase of my life did not align with that opportunity. It seems that the relevant authorities did not perceive me as suitable for a leadership role, but that does not imply I lack the qualities for it. Leadership transcends the title of captain; one does not require a formal designation to exhibit leadership qualities. I have consistently aimed to be a strong leader within my group, contributing to the success of others. I sought out opportunities to make a difference and executed my responsibilities to the best of my abilities. While I do not have regrets, I believe that leading would have been an experience I would have truly enjoyed."

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