‘People who learn even when they win, will become champion’ – Ravi Ashwin quotes MS Dhoni post India’s T20Is loss against West Indies

Hardik Pandya’s captaincy has come under the scanner after India lost the five-match T20I series against the West Indies by a 2-3 margin. Since Hardik captained Gujarat Titans to the Indian Premier League title in 2022, people began praising his leadership qualities. He also found success as a leader of the Indian side as well. However, he suffered his first series loss as captain against Rovman Powell and Co. and a few controversial statements at the pre-match and post-match interviews have irked cricket enthusiasts.

Prior to the third ODI, Hardik was asked what would be the scene if India lost a series to the West Indies for the first time in 17 years. To this, the Baroda all-rounder stated it’s “okay to be unique”. India managed to win the series decider but that wasn’t the case in the T20I series. The ‘Men in Blue’ lost the fifth T20I as West Indies won the series 3-2. Reacting to the series’ defeat, Hardik said, “in hindsight, one series here or there doesn’t matter but the commitment to the goal is important,” 

India’s premier off-spinner Ravi Ashwin opined that it is a tough job for youngsters to do well in the West Indies. However, it seemed that Ashwin wasn’t in agreement with Hardik‘s statement of one defeat not being a cause for concern. The Tamil Nadu bowler shared a quote from MS Dhoni that sits well with the scenario.

 “MS Dhoni and a few coaches of mine have said this: ‘When you lose you learn so many things. But people who learn even when they win, will become champions,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ravichandran Ashwin had a great outing in the West Indies

Ashwin was part of India’s squad for the two-Test series in the Caribbean. He finished the series as the highest wicket-taker with 15 scalps from two matches at an impeccable average of 15. The 36-year-old helped India win the series 1-0. The experienced campaigner is no longer a part of India’s white-ball setup. However, it will be interesting to see whether the selectors pick the veteran in the squad for the all-important World Cup.