Ravichandran Ashwin, who is known for his wit on social media, once again broke the internet on Saturday (January 31). The veteran Team India off-spinner brutally shut down a Pakistani fan who tried to troll him with a bold claim about opener Saim Ayub ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Team India secured a 46-run win over New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I match in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, January 31, and sealed a 4-1 series victory. The Men in Blue chose to bat first and posted a huge total of 271 for five in their 20 overs, which proved far too much for the visitors to chase.
India’s Batting Firepower Is Scary – Ravichandran Ashwin Says Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts on social media during the fifth T20I against the Black Caps. He said that the team looks extremely dangerous, even without several well-known names.
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Ashwin stated that it is “scary” to see how powerful the lineup is. He pointed out that the side is performing at a high level despite the absence of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Under-19 talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
“India’s batting firepower is scary and it’s scarier to think that Jaiswal, Vaibhav, Gill & Ruturaj aren’t even in the squad,” Ashwin wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
India’s batting firepower is scary and it’s scarier to think that Jaiswal, Vaibhav, Gill & Ruturaj aren’t even in the squad. pic.twitter.com/BlCeaAzuCu
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 31, 2026
The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer suggested that even players outside the regular XI are match-winners, making India a threat regardless of which combination takes the field.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Reply to Pakistan Fan Goes Viral
Ravichandran Ashwin’s post praising India’s batting depth drew plenty of support from Indian fans, but it also attracted a reaction from across the border. A Pakistan cricket fan replied by claiming that Saim Ayub alone could “single-handedly destroy” India.
“What about Pakistan saim ayub single handedly destroy India 🔥,” Abdullah Khan, commented.
Instead of responding with words or getting into an argument, Ravichandran Ashwin chose a lighter approach. He replied with a GIF of Bollywood comedian Johnny Lever, showing a look of shock and disbelief.
https://t.co/kPPbPyseyK pic.twitter.com/r2i3WAm9e2
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 31, 2026
The one-image response quickly caught attention online. Fans found it humorous, as Ashwin brushed off the claim about Ayub without taking it seriously. The exchange soon went viral, with many praising Ashwin’s clever use of humour to shut down a troll.
India Clinch Series With Dominant Batting Display
India opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted a massive total of 271 for five in 20 overs. Ishan Kishan smashed 103 runs, while Suryakumar Yadav added 63. Hardik Pandya (42) and Abhishek Sharma (30) also chipped in with key runs.
Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, claiming two wickets. The visitors stayed in the chase early thanks to a stunning knock from Finn Allen, who blasted 80 off 38 balls. However, following his dismissal in the ninth over, the momentum swung in India’s favour.
New Zealand eventually folded for 225 in 19.4 overs. Arshdeep Singh starred with the ball, finishing with a five-wicket haul to seal the win. Kishan earned the Player of the Match award for his century, while Suryakumar Yadav was named Player of the Series for his consistent performances.
