Ashwin Responds to Lyon’s ‘Filthy’ Remark, Cites ‘Collateral Damage’ If Indian Players Speak Out

Overview

• Nathan Lyon said he felt “absolutely filthy” after being dropped for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, and his remark quickly went viral.
• On his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ravichandran Ashwin said Indian cricketers often self-censor because public frustration can hurt future opportunities.
• Ashwin explained that speaking out could make him “lose out” and be stamped with an unfavorable character label.
• He praised Lyon’s candor and called him “lucky,” saying the Australian setup would not hold it against him and suggesting he could still feature in Adelaide.
• Using Chris Gayle’s “Universe Boss” persona as a contrast, Ashwin argued such self-assertion is accepted abroad but would likely be rejected if attempted by an Indian player like Abhishek Sharma.