Having been overlooked of India's XI for the WTC final in opposition to Australia regardless of being the No. 1 Test bowler on this planet, R Ashwin seems to be at it as a "stumbling block" in his profession and never a "setback". Ashwin's omission by India, who selected to play 4 fast bowlers and a spinner in Ravindra Jadeja, triggered a debate particularly after they misplaced by 209 runs at The Oval, which is likely one of the extra spin-friendly pitches in England.

"For me, it's not a setback," Ashwin instructed the Indian Express and Hindu. "It's just a stumbling block, I'll move on because I have gone through that. When somebody knocks you down for the first time, you have a knee-jerk reaction. I think you should be knocked down once in a while along your life so that you are used to it and will know how to bounce back. That's what life is. Whether you are at your peak or not, it is still a setback. The fact that you need to learn how to deal with it is very important.

"To look inwards and say 'okay, somebody is judging me' is foolishness. I think I'm not at the stage of my career to think what others are thinking of me. I know what I am capable of. If I'm not good at something, I'll be my first best critic. And I will work on it and I'm not someone who will sit on my laurels. I've never been made that way. So to think of who's judging me is immaterial."

Ashwin final performed a Test in England in 2021, the primary WTC last, in opposition to New Zealand in Southampton. He took two wickets in every innings to complete with match figures of 4 for 45 from 25 overs, together with ten maidens.

For the WTC last this time, Ashwin mentioned he knew about his omission 48 hours earlier than the sport began, however he mentioned he's much more "chilled" and "relaxed" at this stage of his life and profession.

"I'm a lot more chilled than I used to be," he mentioned. "A lot more relaxed in my life than I ever have been. Sitting here today, I realise how much of a toll it had taken on me mentally to the point where I was traumatised. But I am very glad to have come through that and discovered a new me.

"Lots of people marketed me and positioned me that I'm an overthinker. An individual who will get 15-20 matches on the go would not must be mentally overthinking. An individual who is aware of that they'll get solely two video games might be traumatised and might be overthinking as a result of it is my job. It's my journey. So that is what fits me."