Ravichandran Ashwin blasts '24-carat' IPL pitches after Ireland series loss

Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the batting-friendly nature of pitches in the Indian Premier League after India’s 2-1 series defeat to Ireland in June 2026. The veteran off-spinner argued that the surfaces do not offer bowlers a fair chance to compete.

What did Ashwin say?

Ashwin stated that the kind of pitches seen in the IPL are not balanced for bowlers. He made the comments after India’s series loss to Ireland, a team ranked outside the top ten in the world. The series ended on 15 June 2026, with Ireland winning two of the three T20Is.

Why does Ashwin’s view matter?

Ashwin’s remarks come amid growing debates over pitch preparation in T20 leagues. The IPL is known for flat tracks that favor batters, often leading to high-scoring games. The 39-year-old spinner has long been vocal about the need for surfaces that test both batters and bowlers. His latest comments add weight to calls for reform in pitch curatorship.

How did the series unfold?

India’s tour of Ireland began on 12 June 2026 with a T20I in Dublin. Ireland won the first match by six wickets, chasing 160 with ease. India fought back in the second game, levelling the series with a 14-run win. But Ireland sealed the series in the third T20I, chasing 180 in 19.2 overs. Ashwin bowled 16 overs across the three games, taking three wickets at an economy of 7.88.

What’s next for Ashwin?

Ashwin remains a key part of India’s limited-overs plans despite his age. He is expected to feature in the upcoming white-ball series against England in July 2026. The selectors may tweak the squad based on pitch conditions, but Ashwin’s experience will likely keep him in the XI. His focus now shifts to proving his fitness and form ahead of the next challenge.