Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

It has been days since India lost the highly-anticipated five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test series down under against Australia. While it was India’s first defeat since its last few editions, the series also had some shocking and surprising moments, a notable one being veteran Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement.

Since his retirement after the third Test, one of the greats of the game, Ashwin has been revealing some shocking details. In the latest turn of events, R Ashwin revealed how senior Indian batter Virat Kohli tried to advice pacer Akash Deep with a plan against Steven Smith, but it backfired.

If you don’t understand a bowler….: R Ashwin reveals how Virat Kohli’s plan backfired for India in BGT 2024-25

Speaking at the AWD AI Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru, R Ashwin recalled the incident which saw results going against India in the BGT 2024-25. The former Indian all-rounder suggested that Kohli “didn’t understand” Akash Deep and thus could not help him build on a spell. "In the recently concluded Test series, Akash Deep was bowling a fabulous spell at The Gabba. He was probably bowling the best at The Gabba, Jassi (Jasprit Bumrah) wasn't. He was going through a wonderful spell of 3-4 overs. I was watching the game from outside,” Ashwin began.

“No offence. I saw Virat (Kohli) run up to him and said 'Seedha daalo yaar (bowl straight buddy)' and immeditely out came a fielder and he went to leg gully. Akash Deep bowled on the body and a couple of balls down the leg side, got flicked, got pulled, and his rhythm went awry," he continued. "So why does this happen? In Virat's head he thought 'That is uncomfortable for me so you do that against Steve Smith, you are going to get him out'. Now, bowling is very different. If I need to hit the right length, I need to start. There could be a slope at a particular ground which would stop me from bowling the perfect length so I get into a rhythm,” Ashwin added.

The 38-year-old further went onto elaborate, "If you don’t understand a bowler, this is what happens. But if you understand a bowler, you know he is going through a right spell. Do not disturb him, allow him to build on his spell." This explanation from the Indian veteran came through his evolving game sense, along with some great knowledge and analysis.

Speaking of Ashwin, the Indian all-rounder retired from international cricket with immediate effect in December 2024. He called time on his career after scalping 537 Test wickets, second most by any Indian bowler. Apart from this, the off-spinner picked 156 ODI and 72 T20I wickets during his playing days.