Ravichandran Ashwin is back in action with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, the team where his journey began. After more than 15 years since his debut at Chepauk, Ashwin is still as vocal as ever. Recently, he took a jab at the IPL for focusing too much on batting during its post-match presentations, which he feels overlooks the contributions of bowlers.

On his YouTube channel while discussing IPL matches, Ashwin pointed out, “During the IPL presentation, they hand out at least 10 awards. In fact, half of both teams end up getting some kind of recognition. But if a bowler has a great over, they don’t receive any acknowledgment at all.”

The IPL presentation isn't just a formality; it features substantial cash rewards and bonuses for various achievements like player of the match, most boundaries, most sixes, and highest strike rate, among others. Ashwin had some thoughts on this.

“There's a super striker, super fours, and super sixes, but no super ball,” Ashwin pointed out. “There used to be an award for the fastest ball, but if a player hits a six off that fastest delivery, they still get the award. It's quite something.”

Ash and the team are calling for greater respect for bowlers

The IPL has introduced a new award for the bowler who delivers the most dot balls in a match, which is a step forward compared to previous years. Still, Ashwin believes there's more to be done.

Vivek Razdan, a former Indian pacer and co-host on Ashwin’s channel, added, “The most crucial player in this sport is the bowler. Why? Because the game only truly begins when the bowler bowls the ball. Everything else in cricket is just a reaction.”

“The game kicks off with the bowlers, yet the one who initiates it often doesn’t get the respect they deserve,” Razdan concluded.

In response, Ashwin joked, “It’s not like the bowler can just run off the field with the ball. If I don’t bowl, how are you going to hit it?”

In CSK’s opening match against the Mumbai Indians, Ashwin took a wicket by dismissing Will Jacks and played a supporting role to player of the match Noor Ahmad. His team is gearing up for an exciting Southern Derby against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with their next match set to take place in Chennai.

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