Ravichandran Ashwin, famous for his presence on social media, once again created a stir on the internet on Saturday (January 31). Team India’s veteran off-spinner brutally shut down a Pakistani fan who tried to troll him with a bold claim about opening batsman Sam Ayub ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Team India defeated New Zealand by 46 runs in the fifth and final T20 match in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, January 31, and won the series 4-1. The Men in Blue chose to bat first and scored a mammoth total of 271 runs for five wickets in their 20 overs, which proved too much for the visitors to chase.
Ravichandran Ashwin said before T20 World Cup 2026, India’s batting power is scary.
Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts on social media during the fifth T20 match against the Black Caps. He said that even without many well-known names, the team looks very dangerous.
Ashwin said it is “scary” to see how powerful the lineup is. He said that despite the absence of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Under-19 talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the team is performing at a high level.
“India’s batting firepower is scary and it’s even scarier to think that Jaiswal, Vaibhav, Gill and Ruturaj are not even in the team,” Ashwin wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
India’s batting firepower is scary and it is even scarier to think that Jaiswal, Vaibhav, Gill and Ruturaj are not even in the team. pic.twitter.com/BlCeaAzuCu
– Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) 31 January 2026
The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer suggested that players outside the regular XI are also match-winners, adding that no matter which combination is fielded, India are a threat.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s reply to Pakistani fan went viral
Ravichandran Ashwin’s post praising the depth of India’s batting got a lot of support from Indian fans, but it also drew reactions from across the border. A Pakistani cricket fan responded by claiming that Saim Ayub could “single-handedly destroy” India.
Abdullah Khan commented, “What to say about Pakistan that Ayub single-handedly destroyed India.”
Instead of responding with words or getting into an argument, Ravichandran Ashwin chose a lighter approach. He responded with a GIF of Bollywood comedian Johnny Lever, showing shock and disbelief.
https://t.co/kPPbPyseyK pic.twitter.com/r2i3WAm9e2
– Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) 31 January 2026
The one-image response immediately gained attention online. Fans found it funny, as Ashwin dismissed the claim about Ayub by not taking it seriously. The exchange soon went viral, with many praising Ashwin’s clever use of humor to shut down a troll.
India won the series with an impressive batting performance
India won the toss and decided to bat first and scored a huge score of 271 runs for five wickets in 20 overs. Ishan Kishan scored 103 runs, while Suryakumar Yadav added 63 runs. Hardik Pandya (42) and Abhishek Sharma (30) also scored important runs.
Lockie Ferguson was the best bowler for New Zealand, taking two wickets. The visiting team was soon successful in chasing the target thanks to a brilliant innings from Finn Allen, who scored 80 runs in 38 balls. However, after his dismissal in the ninth over, the momentum shifted in India’s favour.
New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 225 runs in 19.4 overs. Arshdeep Singh performed brilliantly with the ball and secured the victory by taking five wickets. Kishan received the Player of the Match award for his century, while Suryakumar Yadav was named Player of the Series for his consistent performances.
Also read: Players of India and Pakistan joined hands? Here’s what happened at the toss during the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 match
