"We accept others but not our own players" - R Ashwin's stunning take on Australian star's blunt statement amid Ashes 2025-26

Ravichandran Ashwin presented a stunning take on Australian star Nathan Lyon's blunt statement amid the Ashes 2025-26. Lyon was dropped for the second Test in Brisbane. It was the first time since 2012 that he was dropped for a home Test.

The Australian spinner had expressed his disappointment openly and stated that he felt 'absolutely filthy'.

“Absolutely filthy. But yeah, can’t do anything about it. So, I hope I can play my role in making sure I get the guys ready and do whatever I can to make sure that we get the right result here," he was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

Ashwin was asked to react to the statement and give his thoughts on Indian players being able to express their thoughts in the same way. He reckoned that while Indian players were 'allowed' to openly comment, it would cause them collateral damage if they were to do so.

He gave an example involving Chris Gayle and star Indian opener Abhishek Sharma.

"I will take Chris Gayle's example. He came out and said he is the universe boss. Tomorrow, if Abhishek, who is also hitting like him and is a generational talent, comes and sits with a chain and says he is the boss, will we accept him? We accept others but not our own players. There is freedom to talk but collateral damage happens. You will be stamped as a person of a certain character. I am hoping it will change and it should," he said on 'Ash ki Baat'.

Nonetheless, Australia went on to win the second Test against England by eight wickets. Having won the first game as well, they gain a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

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Ravichandran Ashwin only eventually opened up on his shock retirement

Talking about Indian players having the freedom to express their thoughts, Ashwin reckoned that they would not do it while they were playing due to possible collateral damage, as mentioned above.

Similarly, he did not reveal the reason behind his shocking retirement from international cricket right away. The spin legend hung up his boots midway through the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia.

Notably, he did not play the opening Test of the series in Perth. While he was picked for the second Test in Adelaide, he was dropped once again for the third Test in Brisbane, following which he announced his retirement.

It was only later that he revealed the reason behind his sudden and shocking decision. During a conversation with Rahul Dravid on his YouTube channel, Ashwin expressed that not being selected and warming the bench on away tours led him to take the tough call. He had also added that sitting out made him realise the importance of spending more time at home with his family.