Me being who I am gives me happiness, says Ashwin

Chennai

While choosing to tread a path he is comfortable with, Chennai-based Ashwin has drawn flak for his attitude from the cricket community. However, the ace slow bowler, who usually puts opposition batsmen in a fix with his umpteen variations, insisted he wouldn’t mend himself just to pull people to his side.

“You can’t expect everyone to be complimentary. Derogatory statements will be made. I have been asked by many to be a little diplomatic. When a question is posted at me, I don’t see what will fit the brand value or what kind of response will make me more appealing to the audience. I am just open and brutally honest,” Ashwin said on ‘The RK Show’ hosted by sports commentator Radhakrishnan Sreenivasan.

“If I make an attempt to please someone, it bothers and nags me. Me being who I am gives me happiness. I am a liberated soul,” he added. Ashwin, an animated character on the field, remarked that he is being labelled “arrogant” and “rebellious” as he doesn’t align with the figures which people think he must be like.

“I am completely okay with the general public not agreeing with me. If you don’t have people who think about themselves, it is going to be hard to put history out there. All of them who have gone onto achieve something have either been ridiculed or offended. But, I have never really taken any offence,” stated Ashwin, a former Kings XI Punjab captain.

The 2011 World Cup winner also underlined that he isn’t “scared” to be a part of the minority, adding it allows him to be the individual he wants to be. “It does two things. It sets me apart and allows me to express myself.” Having taken the road less travelled, Ashwin is ready to adapt and is open to feedback that will elevate him to the next level.

“I stand for who I am. But at the same time, I can take what people say. If you tell something that disturbs me, I will question you. My question is not anger; it is for searching for answers. If the feedback is for my improvement, I will be the first person to work on it,” said Ashwin, who felt that excellence could be achieved only on the way to perfection.

“Sometime back, my mother told me how I could have done my Instagram series – Reminisce with Ash – better. I don’t know how many parents will do that. We strive for perfection; that is the DNA of our family,” added Ashwin.