Taking to social media, Sivaramakrishnan claimed that Ashwin disconnected his calls and didn’t even reply to his congratulatory messages on the 100th Test milestone.

“Tried calling him a few times to wish him for his 100th Test. Just cut off my call. Sent him a message, no reply. That’s the respect we former cricketers get,” the former India spinner wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Meanwhile in IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming praised Rachin Ravindra for a “performance that was really encouraging” on debut against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

CSK will play their second game of the season against last year’s finalist, GT at their home arena, MA Chidambaram Stadium. The five-time champions had won their first game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by six wickets.

Fleming asserted that the batting coach Michael Hussey is working on the plans and the management is encouraging the players to do what they want to.

“He stuck to his game and part of introducing players to the squad is trying to get them as comfortable as possible. Mike Hussey works all around the plans predominantly we’re just encouraging players to do what they would do in their normal environment, whether it be New Zealand or South Africa, wherever it is, is to try and play as similar and do the same things they would do for their national teams,” Fleming said as quoted by CSK.

The former Blackcaps skipper further praised Rachin who played really well in the last match. The opener scored 37 runs off just 15 balls with the help of three fours and three sixes.

“And that was just the case with Rachin. He played very well. There’s nerves around, there’s a lot of nerves in the first game, even from some of the seasoned players. So, to be able to put a performance like that was really encouraging,” the former New Zealand cricketer added.

(With agency inputs)