Amid the furore generated by Virat Kohli’s abusive behaviour with an Indian journalist, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday tried to diffuse the tension by lauding the fourth estate for its support and for “taking cricket back” to the country.
Although Ashwin refrained from making any comments on the ‘Virat Kohli abuse episode’ but it did look like he tried his best in his damage control act.
“Media here are here to support us. It’s very heartening to see the media turn up in huge numbers and try to support us. But I mean, this is my take on it. I think the media has a responsible way of taking cricket back home in a responsible fashion, taking cricket to the public in the way it needs to be taken,” Ashwin said answering a specific question on what’s his take on the media in general.
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Ashwin said that at times he has not agreed with what has been reported but there have been times when media has been supportive.
“There are times when I’m not happy with that, but that’s my opinion. But there are other times when you support the players and it’s very important to take the game forward,” said Ashwin.
Ashwin, however, refused to comment when asked pointedly about the Kohli incident in which the swashbuckling batsman hurled abuses at a reporter mistaking him for another scribe.
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“Honestly, I do not know what’s happened. It’s definitely not in my jurisdiction. I do not know what’s happened. I’m very honest about it. I do not know what’s happened. Having said that going forward in tomorrow’s game, I think we’ll give it the best and see how it goes.”
West Indies captain Jason Holder also said, “Well, to be honest, you’ve just made me aware of it. I wasn’t really following or aware of any problems with India.”