-Karthik Gurumurthy

I'm absolutely hooked on the way R. Ashwin analyzes and discusses cricket these days. There's something refreshing about how he approaches complex decisions in the game – he doesn't just give surface-level hot takes like most pundits do. Instead, he really digs deep into the reasoning and logic behind everything.

What really stands out is his ability to put himself in a selector's shoes. He walks us through the tough calls they have to make, and more importantly, he emphasizes something that often gets overlooked – the human side of selection. He talks about how crucial it is for selectors to have open, honest conversations with senior players. It's not just about dropping a name from the squad or changing the batting order; it's about sitting down with stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, explaining the rationale, and doing it with the utmost respect for their incredible contributions to Indian cricket over the years. These guys have given their blood, sweat, and tears for the country, and Ashwin never loses sight of that in his analysis.

What I find most impressive is his communication style. He has this rare gift of taking complicated cricketing concepts and tactical decisions and breaking them down in a way that anyone can understand – whether you're a hardcore cricket nerd or just a casual weekend viewer. He doesn't talk down to his audience or use unnecessary jargon. Instead, he makes you feel like you're part of the conversation, like you're understanding the game at a deeper level.

And the passion – man, you can just feel it radiating through whenever he speaks. This isn't someone going through the motions or doing commentary for a paycheck. Ashwin genuinely lives and breathes cricket. But what's even better is that his passion isn't limited to just Indian cricket. He thinks about the game on a global scale, about how cricket as a sport can evolve and grow, about what's best for the game's future worldwide. He's thinking about the next generation of players, the changing formats, the strategic evolution – all of it.

His vision for where cricket should go and his deep understanding of the game's nuances are honestly a masterclass to watch. Every time he shares his thoughts, I come away feeling like I've learned something new or seen the game from a fresh angle I hadn't considered before.

Seriously, Ashwin – keep this up! This kind of insightful, respectful, and passionate analysis is exactly what cricket discourse needs more of. You're setting a new standard here, and it's absolutely brilliant to witness.