Fri Mar 28 14:30:00 UTC 2025: ## IPL Veteran Ashwin Criticizes Award Bias Towards Batsmen

**Chennai, India** – Chennai Super Kings spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reignited a debate about the balance of recognition between batsmen and bowlers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a recent YouTube video, Ashwin criticized the IPL’s post-match presentation ceremony for its overwhelming focus on batting achievements, arguing that bowlers are unfairly neglected.

Ashwin highlighted the numerous awards given to batsmen for various milestones (e.g., super sixes, super fours, highest strike rate), contrasting this with the limited recognition for bowling prowess. While acknowledging the recent introduction of an award for the most dot balls, he believes this is insufficient. He pointedly noted the absence of an award specifically celebrating exceptional bowling performances, adding that even an award for the fastest ball is overshadowed if a six is hit off that delivery.

Co-host and former Indian pacer Vivek Razdan echoed Ashwin’s sentiments, emphasizing the bowler’s central role in the game. Razdan stated, “The game starts with the bowlers, and the one who is starting the game himself doesn’t get respect.” Ashwin playfully added, “If I don’t deliver the ball then how will you hit it?”

Ashwin’s comments come as he returns to the IPL with Chennai Super Kings, the team where he began his IPL career. Despite his criticism, Ashwin contributed a wicket in CSK’s opening match against Mumbai Indians. His next outing will see him and his team face Royal Challengers Bangalore in a highly anticipated Southern Derby, also in Chennai. The debate surrounding the IPL’s awards ceremony and its potential bias towards batsmen is sure to continue.

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