Following social media backlash, R Ashwin’s YouTube channel will not cover the games of Chennai Super Kings for the rest of Indian Premier League.
What is R Ashwin’s YouTube channel?
Ashwin has been running the YouTube channel @AshwinRavi99 for a few years. The channel dissects and discusses many aspects of cricket. Ashwin often features on it himself. At 1.66 million followers at the time of writing, it is one the most popular YouTube channels run by a Test cricketer.
What is the controversy around it?
Prasanna Agoram, a former data analyst for South Africa and the RCB, is a regular on Ashwin’s channel. Last week, he criticised CSK’s (whom Ashwin is playing for in IPL 2025) decision to pick Noor Ahmad alongside both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. He argued that the team could have opted for a batter instead.
The channel took the video off air after social media backlash as CSK lost their third game in a row (including first home defeats against RCB since 2008 and against DC since 2010). CSK are currently ninth with two points from four games, but that is despite Noor, not because of him.
Noor’s 10 wickets (at 11.80, economy 7.86) are currently the most for any team. From the same games, Ashwin has three wickets (40 and 9.23) and Jadeja two (43.50 and 8.70).
How has the channel responded?
“Given the nature of the discussions on this forum over the last week, we want to be mindful of how things can be interpreted and have chosen to step away from covering CSK games, both previews and reviews, for the rest of this season,” posted the channel on April 6.
“We value the diversity of perspectives that come through on our shows and remain committed to ensuring the conversation stays true to the integrity and purpose of the platform we’ve established. The views expressed by our guests do not reflect Ashwin’s personal opinions.
“We appreciate all those who engage thoughtfully with the spirit of the show. Your feedback continues to help us refine and improve what we've built over the years. The Small Council will continue with all non-CSK games as usual.
“Looking forward to witnessing the rest of this exciting IPL season with all of you.”
How have CSK reacted to all of this?
After CSK’s defeat against the DC, the media asked head coach Stephen Fleming about a cricketer’s YouTube channel posting about the team’s performance. “I have no idea,” responded Fleming. “I didn't even know he had a channel, so I don’t follow that stuff. That’s irrelevant.”
