Ashwin 'not the villain' after India's semi-final exit

Ravichandran Ashwin has hit back at his critics, insisting he was not to blame for India's World Twenty20 semi-final defeat to West Indies.

Chasing a victory target of 193, the Windies won by seven wickets with two deliveries to spare, with Indian captain MS Dhoni later blaming two no-balls and dew for the defeat.

Ashwin delivered one of the no-balls, but says he has paid no attention to the media and has had more serious matters to deal with.

"The day I went back home my dog had a heat stroke," he said. "He had fits.

"It just showed me what's more important and what is very, very important in life.

"I didn't turn a piece of paper for the next three days, so I haven't really read about what people have said.

"There have been good enough journalists, and knowledgeable people, who called me and said I haven't bowled a no-ball in ages.

"And to have bowled one no-ball, I don't become the villain. If that's the perception, I don't know how to counter that."

Ashwin will now play in the IPL with Rising Pune Supergiants, who begin their season against Mumbai Indians on Saturday.