Dravid Jokes About Ashwin Coaching Australia

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid shared a lighthearted moment involving spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, recalling a 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy incident when Ashwin was humorously accused of indirectly “coaching” Australia.

The anecdote stemmed from a video Ashwin posted on his YouTube channel in Tamil, explaining batting techniques for playing spin in Indian conditions. The video was uploaded shortly before India’s loss to Australia in the third Test at Indore, a timing that prompted discussion among fans who wondered if it could inadvertently benefit the opposition.

Speaking on the cricket talk show Kutti Stories with Ash, Dravid joked with Ashwin about the situation: “You even coached the Australian team. I got sent a clip. Unfortunately, it was in Tamil. With the little Tamil I understand, you were coaching the Australian team in the middle of the series on how to play spin. And I thought, Ash, the series is not over.” Ashwin laughed along with viewers.

Some supporters questioned whether elements of the video could have given Australia useful insights. Cricket media reports suggested fast bowler Mitchell Starc might have noticed aspects of Ashwin’s tutorial, although the spinner intended to educate young players and cricket enthusiasts rather than international opponents.

Australia’s win in Indore added context to the moment. After India claimed the opening Tests in Nagpur and Delhi, Australia mounted a comeback in the third Test, dismissing India cheaply in the first innings and securing a nine-wicket victory. The result temporarily halted India’s momentum, but the team ultimately won the series 2–1, maintaining its dominance on home soil.

The exchange between Dravid and Ashwin highlights the lighter side of cricketing rivalries, showing that playful banter often follows intense competition. For Australian fans, the anecdote adds insight into their team’s spirited fightback during the series.

Ashwin, one of India’s most successful spinners with over 500 Test wickets, continues to influence the sport both on the field and online through his educational content. Dravid remains closely connected to Indian cricket following his tenure as head coach, completed in 2024.

The 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy reinforced the enduring competitiveness between India and Australia, with moments both on and off the field shaping the narrative of one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.