He also claims that had Ashwin not played for the Chennai Super Kings team in 2011 under MS Dhoni, who was then captain of the Indian national team, he would have had to wait longer for his turn to represent the country.

Had it not been for CSK and MSD, he would have had to wait even longer as Harbhajan was playing superbly at that time. Played for India, left India Cement and moved to rival Chemplast. What dedication from a great man! You should build a temple for him. 1 full white ball of the state tournament played by leg-spin. Anyone else would have been kicked out, he wrote.

Sivramakrishnan was also critical of Ashwin’s on-air performances, writing: He will definitely be the best in the world when he picks up a microphone. I am sure you must be very high on his payroll.

Ashwin is active on social media and regularly gives his opinion on current cricketing issues, as well as making videos on son my YouTube channel.

The off-spinner was included in India’s squad for the World Cup at the last minute, replacing Axar Patel.