Ravichandran Ashwin’s Sudden Retirement Sparks Mixed Reactions: Contradictions and Concerns

December 19, 2024

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most accomplished cricketers, shocked the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from international cricket following the third Test against Australia in Brisbane. The decision, which came midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has left fans and cricketing legends divided, with some praising his call while others question the timing and its implications.

A Quiet Goodbye with a Sudden Departure

Ashwin’s retirement was reminiscent of MS Dhoni’s sudden exit from Test cricket during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Following the drawn Test at the MCG, Dhoni had called time on his Test career with one match left. Similarly, Ashwin chose to retire after the third Test, leaving the series tied 1-1.

The 38-year-old all-rounder announced his decision with an emotional pre-retirement moment, hugging teammate Virat Kohli and addressing the team in a heartfelt speech. However, contrary to Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s statement that Ashwin would leave for India the following day, the spinner expedited his departure and took an 11:45 PM flight from Brisbane to Chennai, arriving home early the next morning.

Sunil Gavaskar Questions Timing of Retirement

Ashwin’s abrupt exit raised concerns, with Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar questioning its impact on the team’s plans for the remaining two matches. Gavaskar highlighted the importance of Ashwin’s skills, particularly in spin-friendly conditions like Sydney, where the final Test is set to take place.

“In Sydney, where spinners generally perform well, Ashwin’s presence could have been vital. Leaving in the middle of a series is unusual and disrupts planning,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

He also drew comparisons to Dhoni’s retirement, suggesting that such mid-series decisions can leave the team short-handed, forcing last-minute adjustments.

Contradictions with Rohit Sharma

The situation was further complicated by statements from Rohit Sharma, who revealed he had to convince Ashwin to participate in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide earlier in the series. This hinted that Ashwin had been contemplating retirement for some time. Despite being a proven match-winner, Ashwin’s inconsistent selection in overseas tours, especially in SENA countries, has been a long-standing point of contention.

“Ashwin made the decision to step away on his own terms, which is understandable,” Gavaskar acknowledged. “But when you are picked for a series, it’s generally expected that you stay committed till its conclusion unless there’s an injury.”

A Career to Celebrate

Ashwin’s retirement brings down the curtain on a remarkable career. Known for his intelligent cricketing brain, the off-spinner amassed over 700 international wickets across formats, making him one of India’s greatest match-winners. Despite his sudden departure, Ashwin’s legacy remains intact, and his contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.

Moving Forward

While Ashwin’s decision marks the end of an era, it also leaves India with challenges to address. Finding a replacement for a player of his caliber at short notice in a high-stakes series won’t be easy. However, Ashwin’s choice to prioritize family and step away on his terms reflects his thoughtful approach to both cricket and life.

As fans come to terms with his retirement, the spotlight now turns to the rest of the Indian team to carry forward the momentum in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.