Ashwin Questions Bihar’s Record List A Total, Calls Contest “Not Ideal”

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the competitive value of Bihar’s world-record List A total against Arunachal Pradesh in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, calling the Plate Group fixture “not an ideal contest” despite acknowledging the brilliance of the batters involved.

Bihar rewrote List A history in the 2025–26 season by posting a staggering 574 for 6 against Arunachal Pradesh, the highest team total ever in the format. The onslaught was led by teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed a breathtaking 190 off just 84 balls. Captain Sakibul Gani added to the carnage with a 128 off 40 deliveries, reaching his hundred in only 32 balls — the fastest by an Indian in List A cricket.

Suryavanshi’s knock stood out for its sheer intensity. The left-hander brought up his century in just 36 balls, finishing with 16 fours and 15 sixes at a strike rate exceeding 226. Arunachal Pradesh were later bowled out for 177, handing Bihar a massive 397-run victory.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin applauded the individual feats but highlighted the growing gap in quality between teams in the Plate Group. He said such one-sided contests raise questions about whether they truly serve the purpose of developing weaker sides.

“There is a huge divide — chalk and cheese — in terms of quality with some teams. It becomes very lop-sided and there is no contest at all. It is not an ideal contest,” Ashwin remarked.

At the same time, the veteran spinner stressed that exceptional performances should not be undermined due to the opposition. “A big score is a big score, wherever it comes. A double hundred is a double hundred,” he said, while also expressing concern over the potential impact such heavy defeats could have on the confidence of emerging teams like Arunachal Pradesh.

Ashwin’s comments have revived discussions around the structure of India’s domestic tournaments and whether extreme mismatches in the Plate Group hinder long-term competitiveness.

The former India all-rounder also praised Ishan Kishan for his explosive form in the same competition. Representing Jharkhand against Karnataka, Kishan blasted a 33-ball century and went on to score 125 off just 39 deliveries, including 14 sixes.

Reflecting on Kishan’s career arc, Ashwin noted how the left-hander had navigated a difficult phase after falling out of the national side. Strong performances in domestic tournaments helped Kishan rebuild momentum, eventually earning him a recall for upcoming international assignments.

Ashwin said Kishan’s resurgence underlined how confidence and form can transform a player’s fortunes when effort meets opportunity.