R Ashwin’s three-word post after India's series defeat against Australia sets social media on fire; What does it mean?

Ravichandran Ashwin's cryptic social media post featuring Nike's 'Just Leave It' tagline has ignited fan speculation. Three years after his iconic 'leave' against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, the post is seen by many as a clever nod to that dramatic moment. Others interpret it as a subtle critique of Team India's recent struggles and senior players' performances.

R Ashwin posted a cryptic post on X after India's loss to Australia (Images via AP, Getty Images)

Three years after his iconic “leave” against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stirred social media on Wednesday with a cryptic post that fans believe carried a deeper meaning. On the same date in 2022, Ashwin had displayed remarkable composure in one of the most dramatic finishes in T20 World Cup history. With India needing two runs off the final delivery against Pakistan, the spinner calmly chose to leave a full ball from Mohammad Nawaz that drifted down the leg side.

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The umpire signaled a wide, levelling the scores, before Ashwin lofted the next ball over mid-off to seal a famous win for India. On Thursday, hours after India's series defeat to Australia, Ashwin posted an image featuring Nike’s iconic Swoosh logo in India’s tricolour, with the tagline reading, “Just Leave It.” The post immediately sparked widespread discussion, with fans linking it to that unforgettable moment at the MCG. While many viewed it as a clever nod to his famous leave, others speculated that it could be a subtle dig at Team India’s current struggles following their ODI series loss to Australia under Shubman Gill’s captaincy.

R Ashwin on X

Some users even suggested it might be aimed at senior players who failed to deliver in Adelaide, where India lost the second ODI by two wickets. Virat Kohli in particular, got out for a four-ball duck in Adelaide. The post, though without any caption or clarification, triggered a flood of reactions online. Several fans revisited Ashwin’s calmness during that 2022 thriller, sharing old clips and commentary highlights. Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle had famously said after that match, “While you celebrate the win, spare a thought for the calmness of Ashwin in playing the wide and not looking for the slog.”

Poll

What was your first reaction to Ashwin's cryptic post?

I loved the nostalgia. I think it critiques the current team. I found it confusing.

Back then, social media had hailed Ashwin’s awareness and composure in that tense moment, with one fan noting, “2 required off 1, millions watching and the man has the audacity to leave the ball for wide!!” Whether Ashwin’s latest post was merely a throwback or carried a hidden message remains unclear. But much like his decisive leave at the MCG, the all-rounder has once again managed to leave everyone guessing.

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