R Ashwin on India Loss: It was one of those nights Indian cricket fans would rather forget. Under the cloudy skies of Perth, Team India — led by Shubman Gill — endured a crushing seven-wicket defeat against Australia in the first ODI. The match, shortened by rain, ended in disappointment as India failed to put up a fight both with the bat and the ball.
While many fans hoped to see the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma light up the scoreboard, both legends struggled to make an impact. Kohli fell for a duck, while Rohit managed just 8 runs — and with that, India’s batting hopes collapsed early.
R Ashwin on India’s Loss: “No Positives From This Game”
Former Indian off-spinner R Ashwin didn’t sugarcoat his analysis. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin bluntly stated that there were no major positives to take away from India’s performance.
“There were no positive takeaways from this game, maybe Nitish Reddy’s batting. I mean, it is what it is. We had a really bad day,” said Ashwin.
India’s batting looked nervous and unsure on a bouncy Perth pitch, managing only 136/9 in 26 overs. Nitish Kumar Reddy and KL Rahul tried to steady the innings with small cameos, but it wasn’t enough against the fiery pace attack of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Ashwin added that India’s bowlers shouldn’t be judged too harshly because defending just 131 runs was never going to be easy. He also emphasized that the conditions played a major role in the outcome.
“It’s tough to judge the bowlers when you have only 131 to defend. If the conditions are a bit drier, then maybe Kuldeep Yadav could come in. It’s also worth giving Prasidh Krishna a chance if Harshit doesn’t perform,” he explained.
R Ashwin on India Loss: “Unlucky with the Toss”: Ashwin Defends the Team
Ashwin further pointed out that losing the toss under those weather conditions put India at a big disadvantage. He noted that playing in Perth after training on Indian pitches like Delhi or Mumbai can be a difficult transition, especially with the extra bounce on offer.
“India were a little unlucky today. Losing the toss on a day like this made a big difference. It’s not about technique — it’s purely condition-based,” he clarified.
The comparison between Mitchell Marsh’s confident pull shots and Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal highlighted how challenging it was to adjust to Perth’s pace and bounce.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Hopeful Words: “Don’t Be Surprised If They Bounce Back”
While Ashwin offered a tough reality check, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar struck a hopeful tone for Indian fans. He stood firmly behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, backing them to deliver big performances in the upcoming ODIs.
“They were playing on probably the bounciest pitch in Australia. It wasn’t going to be easy, especially for players who haven’t played international cricket for a couple of months,” Gavaskar said.
The former India captain believes that as Kohli and Rohit get more game time, they’ll quickly find their rhythm again.
“Don’t be surprised if Rohit and Kohli score big in the next two games. Once they’re back among the runs, India’s total will easily go past 300,” Gavaskar added.
Adelaide: The Perfect Venue for a Comeback
The second ODI in Adelaide promises to be a fresh start — and perhaps, a redemption story. The conditions there are much friendlier for batting, and for Virat Kohli, it’s a special ground. In four One-Day matches at the Adelaide Oval, he has scored 344 runs at an average of 61, including two magnificent centuries.
For Indian fans, that’s a reason to smile and hope. Adelaide could very well be the stage where the team, led by Shubman Gill, regains its confidence — and where Kohli and Rohit remind everyone why they are among the best in the world.
R Ashwin on India Loss: Final Thoughts
Every great team faces moments like this — moments of doubt, criticism, and introspection. But it’s often after such defeats that champions rise stronger. R Ashwin’s honest feedback may sting, but it’s exactly what the team needs to bounce back. And if Gavaskar’s words hold true, we might soon witness an inspired comeback from India’s senior pros.
As the caravan moves to Adelaide, fans will watch eagerly — not just for a win, but for a statement of intent from a team that has always thrived on resilience.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports reports and expert opinions. It is written for informational and entertainment purposes only. All quotes are attributed to their respective sources.