Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir had called for the introduction of injury replacements in Test cricket, a suggestion that the England skipper termed as 'absolutely ridiculous'. Ashwin said that the Englishman can think and then reply to such scenarios
Ravichandran Ashwin (Pic: File Pic)
Former team India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has criticised Ben Stokes for his remarks on injury substitutions, saying that the England captain should "think before speaking".
The remarks in question were made by Stokes after the fourth Test match. India's wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant suffered a blow while batting, following which he was forced to leave the ground due to the injury. Later, the left-hander returned to bat with a fracture in his foot.
Following the incident, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had called for the introduction of injury replacements in Test cricket, a suggestion that the England skipper termed as 'absolutely ridiculous'.
In the fifth Test match, England faced a similar situation when their pacer Chris Woakes sustained an injury on his shoulder. Later, on the final day of the match, Woakes appeared on the field with one arm covered with a jersey.
Speaking on the incident, Ashwin said on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat', "I want to talk about another imperfection in this series. There's a Tamil saying that loosely translates to 'Your karma will affect you almost instantly'. What you sow is what you reap."
Ashwin further said that the Englishman should think before replying in such situations.
"After the last Test, there were questions asked about the injury to Pant. Gautam Gambhir said that such injuries need a substitution. And when Stokes was asked about this response, he simply brushed it away, calling it a joke. I am a big fan of Stokes' cricketing abilities and his attitude. But he can think and then reply," added the 38-year-old.
The former spinner was, however, all praises for Woakes, highlighting that the pacer was "ready to give his life to win the game".
"He was ready to give his life to win the game for his team, and almost did it too. He had the game awareness to run and give the strike to Atkinson. Hats off to Chris Woakes. Remarkable attitude, and a remarkable way to step out for your team, and put your body on the line," said the veteran of 106 Test matches.
Ashwin also mentioned former England captain Michael Vaughan's comment stating that the game can evolve in this area.
"Michael Vaughan said this is one area where the game can evolve. Substitutions should be allowed. All I'm saying is: show a little empathy for the other team. Stokes should have considered what it would be like if a player of Rishabh Pant's calibre was in his team and got injured, said the Tamil Nadu-born former cricketer.
"Wouldn't you want a substitution? Wouldn't that be fair? You are free to share your opinion, but using words like 'joke' and 'ridiculous' isn't respectful. Think before you speak. Karma hits instantly," concluded Ashwin.
(With PTI Inputs)
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