NEW DELHI: Former India spinner R Ashwin, known for his decency and tact, held up a mirror to Pakistani players to show the class they belong to, noting that responding to them in their own language would never be fruitful.

Recently, controversial statements came from Pakistani players, including Mohammad Yousuf, who stooped to a new low by referring to India captain Suryakumar Yadav as 'Suarkumar Yadav' during a television debate.

"I am a cricketer. Whatever love and respect I receive today is because of the things I've done on the cricket field," Ashwin said on his YouTube show 'Ash Ki Baat'. "Yes, sometimes we may speak beyond the boundary line, and someone might even find value in it. But there are things best left to the experts. When we step into areas we don't understand, it gets dirty."

Ashwin, without naming anyone, delivered a clear message that engaging in such arguments may lead to losing on their own playing field.

"I read a beautiful comment recently, and it's something I will carry with me for the rest of my life - never argue with people below your IQ level. Because they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. He will never try to come to your level. But because you have common sense. You apply logic. You will try to understand at their level. You have lost. You have lost in life. So, I would say. Please don't go to their level. Because if you do. You will lose on their playing field. You will lose easily."

Ashwin also has backed match referee Andy Pycroft amid Pakistan's criticism in the post-match handshake controversy, saying the Zimbabwean official is not a "school teacher" and was only doing his job to avoid an unnecessary spectacle.

Pycroft was the referee last Sunday when India, as a policy decision, did not shake hands with Pakistan after their Asia Cup match. He was dragged into the controversy after India skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not follow the convention at the toss.

"Andy Pycroft actually saved everybody from seeing such a poor spectacle. India informed the match referee in advance - this is our decision, and we will follow it. That's it. After all this drama, you lost the match. So what are you complaining about?" Ashwin asked.

"He is not a schoolteacher. He's not a principal. He can't go and bring Surya and say, 'Come shake hands'. That's not his job. What exactly is Pycroft's fault here?" he asked.