ENG vs IND 2025: ‘Think before you speak, Karma hits instantly’

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has lambasted England captain Ben Stokes for his blunt comments on the injury substitution debate, calling his words disrespectful and lacking empathy. Ashwin also mentioned the idea of karma, saying what you give is what you get, and that Stokes should’ve been more considerate with his choice of words.

Stokes’ remarks came after Rishabh Pant fractured his toe during the fourth Test at Old Trafford. The wicketkeeper-batter was hit on his right foot by a full delivery from Chris Woakes in the first innings, leaving him in excruciating pain and forcing him to be taken off the field on a golf cart. Pant was subsequently ruled out for the fifth Test at The Oval.

Pant couldn’t keep wickets after the injury and batted through immense pain in the fourth Test. After this unfortunate incident, experts discussed about the possibility of allowing injury substitutes to help both teams stay even in a match. While India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and Ashwin spoke in favour of the introduction of the new rule, some felt that the extent of injury could be the grey area. However, when asked about his opinion, Stokes responded by calling it a “joke”. This dismissive approach went on to irk Ashwin.

“I want to talk about another imperfection in this series. There’s a Tamil saying that loosely translates to ‘Your karma will affect you almost instantly’. What you sow is what you reap. I am a big fan of Stokes’ cricketing abilities and his attitude. But he can think and then reply. All I’m saying is: show a little empathy for the other team. Using words like ‘joke’ and ‘ridiculous’ isn’t respectful. Think before you speak. Karma hits instantly,” Ashwin said on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, urging the England captain to be more empathetic.

Ashwin also praised Chris Woakes, who walked in with his dislocated left arm in a sling, wrapped under his sweater, on Day 5 of the final Test match. The spectators at The Oval were on their feet to salute Woakes’ determination, who was giving best all for the team.

“Chris Woakes walked in with his shoulder tucked inside his sweater. And was ready to give his life to win the game for his team, and almost did it too. He had the game awareness to run and give the strike to Atkinson. Hats off to Chris Woakes. Remarkable attitude, and a remarkable way to step out for your team, and put your body on the line,” Ashwin remarked.

India drew the five-match Test series 2-2 after securing a six-run win in the final encounter at The Oval on Monday, August 4.

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