Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has dismissed the idea that the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will bring bad luck for the Indian cricket team. Ravichandran Ashwin also said that the team is not worried about the past results, as they have won many matches at this ground in international cricket.
The much-awaited final match of the T20 World Cup 2026 will take place on Sunday, March 8. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai last year. However, playing in Ahmedabad brought back some bad memories for Indian cricket fans.
They suffered a massive defeat against Australia in the ODI World Cup final at the same venue in 2023. India had earlier suffered a huge defeat by 76 runs against South Africa at the same venue in the Super 8 stage of this tournament.
You can lose a game at one place and win the next game – Ravichandran Ashwin
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said that the Indian also has good memories in Ahmedabad. Ashwin said India won consecutive ICC trophies in white-ball cricket after a long drought.
“No, not at all. You can lose one game at a venue and win the next match. What’s the big deal? We have actually won many matches at that stadium as well. So please don’t make it about the stadium. There is no taboo when it comes to venues,” Ashwin said.
“Yes, it may cross your mind sometimes, but people were saying for 10 years that we have not won an ICC trophy. Then within a year or six months, we won two ICC trophies. Things change very fast. I don’t think it should come in the way.”
“Maybe pressure will be present at some point, but right now I don’t think the team is thinking in that direction,” he said.
R Ashwin came in support of Ahmedabad Stadium
“You can win one match and lose another. Let’s not make it about a venue. There is no taboo around the stadium. We had not won any ICC tournament for 10 years, but within 1 year, we won 2 ICC trophies.” pic.twitter.com/kmGDfNyA3d
– Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) 8 March 2026
It would definitely suit India – Ravichandran Ashwin on Ahmedabad pitch
Ahmedabad’s pitch generally favors batsmen and fast bowlers. Ashwin believes that the pitch will help the fast bowlers and said that the conditions will be perfect for the home team.
“South Africa and Canada have played a match on this pitch and the same surface will be used again. That wicket had bounce and pace as well. Kagiso Rabada was hurrying the batsmen,” Ashwin said.
“We can’t draw too many conclusions looking at the Canadian batsmen, but I think it will be a really good pitch. If the wicket has pace and bounce, it will definitely suit India,” he said.
Absolutely no pressure on New Zealand – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that the Mitchell Santner-led team has an advantage as they do not have to face the expectations of huge crowds at the stadium.
“But let’s understand one thing – there is absolutely no pressure on New Zealand. They generally don’t have big expectations. I don’t think they have that many people consistently to put pressure on the team. For them to even reach the final is a big achievement,” Ashwin said.
New Zealand will enter the final with high confidence, as they have never lost a T20 World Cup match against India. However, they will be desperate to cross the finish line after losing the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cup finals as well as the 2021 T20 World Cup final.
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