Cheteshwar Pujara names Ravichandran Ashwin as a potential future India coach.
Cheteshwar Pujara Backs Ravichandran Ashwin as Future India Coach
Ravichandran Ashwin surprised cricket fans worldwide by announcing his international retirement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The 38-year-old bid farewell after the third Test at the Gabba, Brisbane, though he continues to represent Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Known for his sharp cricketing mind, Ashwin has earned admiration not just for his skill but also for his tactical brilliance on the field.
Recently, during a Q&A session on ESPNCricinfo, Cheteshwar Pujara was asked who could potentially take over as India’s coach in the future. Without hesitation, Cheteshwar Pujara named Ashwin, citing his deep understanding of the game and strategic acumen.
Ashwin’s reputation as a “street-smart” cricketer has been well-established over the years. Following India’s T20 World Cup 2022 match against Pakistan, Virat Kohli even dubbed him a “scientist” for reading Mohammad Nawaz’s delivery and anticipating a wide. Over his illustrious career, Ashwin has played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, amassing a total of 765 international wickets. This makes him India’s second-highest wicket-taker in international cricket, only behind Anil Kumble.
With his experience, tactical insight, and deep knowledge of the game, Ashwin is widely seen as a natural candidate for coaching, and Cheteshwar Pujara endorsement further strengthens the argument that India may one day see him leading from the sidelines.
Ashwin not pleased with the overthinker tag
Ravichandran Ashwin has often addressed the notion that he overthinks on the field, stressing that such labels are unfair. Speaking to The Indian Express, he said, “It’s unfair to actually say somebody’s an overthinker because that person’s journey is his own. Nobody has a right or business to do that. There have been statements made when leadership questions have come my way, with people saying my name isn’t the first on the sheet when India tours abroad.”
Ashwin represented Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 but had a challenging season, taking just seven wickets in nine games. His future with the franchise remains uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether he will be retained for the next IPL season.
Known for his cricketing intelligence and tactical insight, Ashwin continues to contribute in domestic cricket while managing expectations and staying focused on the game he loves.