In an unexpected move, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, just after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane ended in a draw. The seasoned spinner, who has been one of India’s most prolific bowlers, decided to step away from the game with immediate effect, foregoing the chance of a farewell match at home.
Ashwin’s sudden retirement has left India a spinner short for the remaining two matches in the five-Test series against Australia. This decision has stirred significant debate, with former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali criticizing the move and holding Indian captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir accountable for allowing the retirement to happen mid-series.
‘Kohli Wouldn’t Have Let It Happen,’ Says Ali
Basit Ali expressed his disappointment over Ashwin’s timing during a statement on his YouTube channel. He argued that Virat Kohli, the former Indian skipper, would have handled the situation differently.
“I saw Ashwin’s press conference, and it seemed like he didn’t say everything that was on his mind. One thing I am certain of is that Virat Kohli would never have let Ashwin retire mid-series,” Ali remarked.
A Missed Opportunity for a Proper Farewell
Ali went on to suggest that Ashwin could have retired either after India’s home series against New Zealand or at the end of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He criticized Sharma and Gambhir for not persuading Ashwin to reconsider his timing.
“Allowing Ashwin to retire after just three Tests was a poor decision by Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir. They should have had a conversation with him, explaining how vital he was for the remaining two matches in the series. A player of Ashwin’s caliber deserved a better farewell,” Ali added.
‘Series-Winner, Not Match-Winner’
In a bold statement, Ali also shared his perspective on Ashwin’s role as a cricketer. While acknowledging Ashwin’s contributions, he distinguished between a “match-winner” and a “series-winner.”
“Yes, Ashwin struggled in the Adelaide Test, but he has always been more than a one-match performer. He is not a match-winner in the traditional sense, but he is a series-winner. There’s a big difference between the two,” Ali explained.
A Legacy of Excellence
Ashwin retires as one of India’s most successful bowlers in Test cricket. In his illustrious career, he claimed 537 wickets in 106 matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for India in the longest format. Additionally, he recorded 156 wickets in ODIs and 72 in T20Is.
While opinions differ on the timing of Ashwin’s retirement, his legacy as one of India’s greatest spinners remains undisputed. For now, the Indian team must adapt quickly to fill the void left by his absence in the crucial remaining matches of the series.
