TNFVeteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced strong opinions about the risks of over-relying on coaches, emphasizing that it can stifle a player’s ability to innovate and adapt. In a recent interview with PTI, Ashwin highlighted his belief that dependence on a single coach or mentor can hinder players from developing their own problem-solving skills.
Ashwin, with a distinguished career spanning 14 years and 281 international matches, has accumulated 744 wickets. His ability to constantly reinvent himself has been a key factor in his sustained success. The 37-year-old off-spinner shared that excessive reliance on coaches can be “dangerous,” as it may limit a player’s openness to new ideas and techniques.
Ashwin acknowledges that while he has had valuable mentors, such as former Tamil Nadu coach WV Raman and former Indian batsman S. Badrinath, his relationship with them was never about absolute dependence. “A coach’s challenge is to offer multiple solutions because what works for one player may not work for another,” Ashwin noted. He is critical of modern coaching methods that tend to replicate successful techniques from other players, arguing that this approach can limit a player’s ability to discover personalized solutions.
Despite understanding that some players achieve results by fully embracing their coach’s methods, Ashwin believes this can constrain creative thinking. He stressed that continuous self-evaluation and adaptation are crucial for a cricketer’s growth. “You need to find your own answers as a cricketer,” Ashwin said, emphasizing that while guidance is helpful, players must remain open to new ideas and solutions.
On a positive note, Ashwin praised Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach, as a direct and honest individual. He expressed respect for Gambhir, describing him as a hero of Indian cricket and someone he maintains a good relationship with.
Looking ahead, Ashwin is preparing for a significant Test series against Bangladesh next month, which will be his first series under Gambhir’s guidance. Ashwin also reflected on his career, noting the evolution of his iconic ‘carrom ball’ and the impact of the IPL on young cricketers, while still stressing that the ultimate goal for ambitious players should be to represent the country.
In summary, Ashwin advocates for a balanced approach where players use coaching as a tool rather than a crutch, urging them to foster their own skills and strategies while recognizing the value of guidance from mentors like Gambhir.
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