In a surprising turn of events, veteran Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The decision, which came after the drawn third Test in Brisbane, left the cricketing world in shock. Notably, Ashwin was not part of the playing XI in that match.
Ashwin had earlier featured in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval, where he scored 29 runs across two innings and picked up a solitary wicket. Prior to the series in Australia, he was part of India’s shocking home Test series defeat to New Zealand—their first such loss in 12 years. Ashwin had played a pivotal role in India’s dominance in home Tests over the years, making his sudden retirement all the more unexpected.
Brad Haddin’s Take on Ashwin’s Retirement
Former Australian cricketer Brad Haddin weighed in on the surprising development, suggesting that Ashwin’s decision stemmed from frustration over his exclusion from the playing XI. Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, Haddin remarked, “In the first three Test matches, India rotated three different spinners. They came here without a clear game plan, which is surprising considering their past success in Australia. Ashwin’s retirement mid-series was unusual, and I don’t think we’ve heard the last of it. He seemed fed up with being overlooked.”
Haddin speculated that Ashwin considered himself India’s premier spinner and preferred to step away on his terms rather than sit on the sidelines. “Ashwin’s record speaks for itself. He likely thought, ‘If I’m not seen as the best spinner in the squad, I don’t need this anymore.’ His decision reflects his belief in his abilities and his unwillingness to be treated as a secondary option,” Haddin added.
India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy Campaign
India endured a disappointing 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, culminating in a six-wicket defeat in the final Test at Sydney. This loss officially knocked them out of contention for the ICC World Test Championship final, with Australia and South Africa securing the top two spots.
Ashwin’s Illustrious Career
Ashwin retires as one of India’s finest all-rounders, boasting incredible statistics across formats. In 106 Test matches, he claimed 537 wickets at an average of 24.00, including 37 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket match hauls. He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, trailing only Anil Kumble, and ranks eighth overall in the format’s history. With the bat, he amassed 3,503 runs at an average of 25.75, including six centuries and 14 fifties.
In ODIs, Ashwin played 116 matches, taking 156 wickets at an average of 33.20. He also contributed with the bat, scoring 707 runs, including a top score of 65. Across all formats, Ashwin took 765 wickets in 287 matches, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker overall.
Ashwin’s achievements include being a key figure in India’s 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy victories. His retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, and his contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come.
