Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin recently started doing commentary during the IPL 2026 opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Ashwin predicted that SRH would win against RCB. Sehwag, sitting next to him, teased him playfully, comparing it to a senior bullying a freshman in college. Ashwin had retired from IPL after the 2025 season when his team, Chennai Super Kings, finished poorly.
During the game, Aakash Chopra asked both commentators who was feeling more pressure. Sehwag jokingly said the pressure was all on Ashwin since he was new to commentary. Ashwin then predicted SRH would do well against RCB, saying they’d “do wonders.”
Sehwag laughed and reminded him of a past incident when Ashwin was captain. He shared how Ashwin had once asked for advice during a tricky situation in the dressing room. Sehwag told him to bowl an off-spinner immediately, but nothing worked until someone finally got out. Ashwin then admitted it wasn’t easy.
Chopra pointed out that off-spinners can be skilled bowlers too. Before Ashwin could respond, Sehwag quipped that the dismissed batter was also an off-spinner. He revealed the bowler’s name was K. Gowtham.
In the end, RCB won by six wickets, making a strong start to defend their IPL title. Meanwhile, Ashwin is set to play for San Francisco Unicorns in the upcoming MLC season in the USA after retiring from international cricket in 2024.