Ravichandran Ashwin has rebutted former England captain Michael Vaughan’s claim of India being an “underachieving team”, saying they have been one of the best travelling sides in contemporary cricket.

During a panel discussion on Fox Sports recently, Vaughan had said the Indian cricket team should have achieved more on the field, particularly in the ICC events, considering the resources at their disposal.

“Michael Vaughan recently made a statement that the Indian team are underachievers. Yes, we haven’t won an ICC trophy in a while, and we call ourselves the powerhouse of the game. But that’s just one side of the coin,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

The 37-year-old ace spinner then added: “Our Test team has been one of the best travelling teams at present. We have seen many great results. After Vaughan made that statement, so many experts from our own country started debating if India is an underachieving team. Frankly, it made me laugh.”

Ashwin then went on to offer a reverse scenario for the first Test in Centurion which was won by South Africa. “Let’s reverse the situation. If South Africa had batted first after winning the toss in Centurion, wasn’t there a chance they could have gotten all out by 65? Even India was staring at the barrel at 20 for three, but Virat and Shreyas’ partnership from there saved us.”

Ashwin also emphasised that the series-drawing effort of India in Cape Town underlined the team’s ability to bounce back from adversities. “Quality cricket team with good mental fortitude and mental skills can make a comeback from any situation, and this Indian team has time and again proved it.

“Yes, we lost two WTC finals. I accept it wholeheartedly. But in the case of Test series, a comeback is always possible.”

Ashwin also urged the pundits to view cricket just as a sport.

“What we need to understand is that cricket is still a sport. In India, we talk cricket in every nook and cranny and consider the sport a religion.

“I feel we criticise and nitpick too much and get into unnecessary details. I think these are blinding us,” said Ashwin.