Why Ravichandran Ashwin changed his name on Twitter

The off-spinner changed his Twitter name to 'lets stay indoors India'

Ashwin likely to miss second Test against West Indies [File] Ravichandran Ashwin | AFP

India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is one cricketer who is quite vocal on social media. From responding to or taking on annoying fans, or commenting on social issues, the 33-year-old from Chennai is always in the thick of things on Twitter.

Now, amid the coronavirus pandemic, Ashwin has changed his Twitter name in a bid to raise awareness on social distancing and isolation among the public. With 10 people already dead in India and more than 500 tested positive for COVID-19, the country is seeing lockdown in several states. The Union government and state governments have been urging people to stay indoors and take all precautions recommended by the health officials.

To drive home this message, the off-spinner changed his Twitter name to 'lets stay indoors India' with a tricolour at the end.

India observed a 14-hour 'Janta Curfew' on March 22 to spread awareness about self-quarantine. Post it, several states have announced total and partial lockdowns to try and contain the spread of the virus.

"Taking in all information ( both authentic and some seemingly panicky ones) . One thing seems certain " The next 2 weeks are going to be extremely crucial" . Every city in India should literally feel deserted for the next 2 weeks, cos if this escalates it will be mayhem."

Ashwin also pointed out the lack of credible information about coronavirus in the country, saying that a majority of the "densely populated country" do not have access to it.

"We need to remember we are a densely populated country and a very large part of them don't have access to information,” Ashwin wrote.

With the IPL 2020 postponed to April 15, and likely to delayed even further, most of the cricketers are in self-quarantine. Ashwin is set to represent Delhi Capitals in the tournament.

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