Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin made the headlines after he found himself in an unexpected controversy during a Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025 match between Dindigul Dragons and IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, which happened at the SNR College Cricket Ground in Coimbatore on Sunday.
Ashwin, one of Tamil Nadu’s most celebrated cricketers, led Dindigul Dragons and opened the batting but failed to convert his start as he was dismissed for just 18 runs. The dismissal came in the fifth over, when he was adjudged leg before wicket off Tiruppur captain R. Sai Kishore’s bowling.
R Ashwin slams his bat in anger in TNPL 2025
But what really caught everyone’s attention was Ashwin’s reaction. The veteran was visibly upset with the decision, where he immediately turned to the on-field umpire, Kritika, a female official, and strongly argued that the ball pitched outside the leg stump.
Ash அண்ணா Not Happy அண்ணாச்சி! 😶🌫
📺 தொடர்ந்து காணுங்கள் | TNPL 2025 | iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans vs Dindigul Dragons | Star Sports தமிழில் #TNPLOnJioStar #TNPL #TNPL2025 pic.twitter.com/Csc2ldnRS3
— Star Sports Tamil (@StarSportsTamil) June 8, 2025
He pointed emphatically toward the pitch and engaged in a heated exchange. As it turned out, the umpire, however, stood her ground and turned away before indicating the decision would not be overturned in the first place. Meanwhile, a visibly frustrated Ashwin stormed off, where he unleashed his emotions by slamming his bat against his pads in anger.
This very moment was caught on camera, and it spread like wildfire on social media. TV replays on the screen suggested Ashwin may have had a point after all. According to Ashwin’s perspective, the ball appeared to have landed outside the leg stump.
Fans and analysts were divided. While some sympathized with Ashwin, especially given the apparent error, others criticized his reaction, arguing that such behaviour sets the wrong example, particularly toward an on-field umpire just doing her job.
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Ashwin, now 38 years old, has had a tough year professionally. After a forgettable IPL season with Chennai Super Kings, where he picked up only seven wickets in nine games at an average over 40, TNPL was seen as an opportunity to bounce back. But Sunday’s events only added to his frustrations, especially as Dindigul Dragons went on to collapse for just 93 runs in 16.2 overs.
Tiruppur’s bowlers, led by Esakkimuthu, who returned figures of 4/26, dismantled the Dindigul lineup with ease. R. Sai Kishore, who had dismissed Ashwin, chipped in with two wickets to his name. In reply, Tiruppur coasted to victory. Tushar Raheja’s unbeaten 65 off just 39 balls ensured a dominant nine-wicket win with more than eight overs to spare.
