Former Indian all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri recently shared insights into Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shastri suggested that Ashwin might have reconsidered his decision if he had known India’s plan to play two spin-bowling all-rounders in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Ashwin, who played just one Test in the series, announced his retirement after the third match in Brisbane, a decision that shocked fans and experts alike. Although he expressed his desire to continue playing in club cricket and the IPL, Ashwin stated that he felt his time with the national team had come to an end.
Rohit Sharma’s Role in Ashwin’s Decision
During the press conference following Ashwin’s announcement, Indian captain Rohit Sharma revealed that Ashwin had hinted at retirement earlier during the series, specifically in Perth. Rohit persuaded him to stay by including him in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. However, Ashwin decided to retire after feeling he was not a key part of the team’s plans moving forward.
“I convinced him to stay for the day-night Test, but Ashwin felt that if he wasn’t needed for the rest of the series, it was better to step away. Of course, we hadn’t seen the conditions in Melbourne at that point,” Rohit explained.
A Tactical Shift in the Melbourne Test
India’s decision to play two spin-bowling all-rounders—Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja—at the MCG marked a significant tactical change. Sundar was preferred over specialist batter Shubman Gill, a move that raised eyebrows among cricket experts. Notably, Sundar had already featured in the first Test in Perth before being replaced by Ashwin in Adelaide. Jadeja took the spin duties in the third Test, but the fourth Test in Melbourne was the first time India employed two spin options in the series.
Shastri’s Commentary on Team Selection
During commentary, Ravi Shastri expressed his thoughts on India’s selection strategy for the fourth Test. He admitted he would have retained Shubman Gill in the playing XI and made a tough choice between Sundar and Reddy for the second spin-bowling spot.
“It’s a bold call. Personally, I would have kept Gill in the XI. Choosing between Reddy and Washington would have been difficult, but the team management has shown faith in their approach,” Shastri remarked.
Reflecting on Ashwin’s retirement, Shastri added, “If Ashwin had known India would go with two spinners in Melbourne, he might have reconsidered his decision to step away.”
High Stakes at the MCG
The fourth Test at the MCG holds immense significance as both teams have won one match each in the five-match series. A victory in Melbourne would give either side a crucial lead, making this encounter a decisive moment in the series.
Ashwin’s unexpected departure and India’s evolving strategies have added another layer of intrigue to this fiercely contested rivalry, with every decision scrutinized as the series progresses.
