Ashwin Clarifies “Serve Drinks” Remark on Sooryavanshi

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has addressed the controversy around his earlier “serve drinks” comment about young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, insisting it was never meant as an insult. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin explained that his point was about the value of learning by observing the senior team from the sidelines rather than about being dropped.

Ashwin explains his intent

Ashwin had previously suggested that Sooryavanshi might have to sit out matches or help around the team if not selected for the playing eleven. He clarified this was intended to highlight the teenager’s enormous scope for growth, noting that watching and absorbing lessons while out of the XI could ultimately make him a better cricketer. Ashwin urged patience, saying the focus should be on Sooryavanshi’s development rather than debates over his selection.

A strong comeback against Zimbabwe

After a subdued start to his international career against England, where he managed modest scores across three T20Is, Sooryavanshi rediscovered his form during the T20I series against Zimbabwe. He struck a half-century in the opener, followed it with a useful contribution, and then produced a standout knock of 81 in the final match. His tally of 151 runs across the series, at an impressive strike rate, earned him the Player of the Series honour.

Ashwin also weighed in on the scrutiny Sooryavanshi faced after struggling against England’s Jofra Archer’s short-pitched bowling, pointing out that even legendary batters have had similar vulnerabilities early on. He cautioned against writing off a young player after a handful of matches, noting that Sooryavanshi’s outstanding IPL performances have created unrealistic expectations for instant consistency at the highest level, something few cricketers achieve so early in their careers.