After India’s heart-stopping win at The Oval, veteran spinner R. Ashwin delivered one of the most poetic and stinging critiques of the series, accusing England of “disrespecting the cricketing gods” during their dramatic fourth-innings collapse. His comments came in the aftermath of India’s stunning six-run victory, a result that turned on its head what looked like a certain English win.
England, chasing 374 to seal the series 3–1, were cruising at 255/3, with Harry Brook and Joe Root in full control. Brook had just completed a sparkling century, and the mood in the dressing room seemed almost celebratory. But the next hour saw chaos unfold—Brook’s dismissal triggered a sensational collapse, with England losing their last seven wickets for just 66 runs. India clawed their way to victory in a result few had anticipated.
Ashwin, speaking after the Test, didn’t mince his words. “They disrespected the cricketing gods,” he said. “Test cricket is sacred. When you chase a big total and you’re in control, it demands humility. You can’t just blast your way through the finish line. It felt like England wanted to win in style rather than substance.”
He singled out Brook’s rash shot that led to his dismissal as a turning point—not just tactically, but symbolically. “Brook had the chance to walk off with Root, bat in hand, having carried his team to glory. But cricket, like life, punishes arrogance. Even the clouds started crying—swing returned, the pitch came alive again. It was nature’s reminder.”
Ashwin’s remarks weren’t just barbs; they carried the weight of traditionalist Test cricket values. He believes the format demands respect, discipline, and emotional intelligence—traits he felt England neglected during that final stretch. His reference to “cricketing gods” wasn’t merely metaphorical; it was a rebuke of a style of play he sees as prioritising entertainment over essence.
“Test cricket is not just about numbers,” Ashwin added. “It’s about moments, judgment, the rhythm of the game. You’re 100 not out in a chase—your job isn’t over. It’s just begun. That’s when the real test starts.”
He also credited the Indian pacers—particularly Siraj and Prasidh Krishna—for sensing the momentum shift and exploiting the conditions. As clouds gathered and the ball began to talk, England appeared stunned, as if they didn’t expect resistance. India, on the other hand, smelled blood.
Ashwin’s remarks have divided opinion—some praising him for preserving the soul of Test cricket, others calling it overly dramatic. But whether one agrees or not, few can deny that his words capture the emotional core of the sport. In a world increasingly obsessed with formats and franchises, Ashwin reminded everyone why Test cricket still matters—and why disrespecting its rhythms comes with a cost.
In the end, England fell short. And according to Ashwin, they didn’t just lose a Test—they offended the guardians of the game.