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When the entire cricketing world was thinking about the result of the thrilling Gabba Test between India and Australia, the ace spinner R Ashwin was privately considering a big decision that would leave everyone surprised. India's spin wizard Ashwin, soon after the conclusion of the match, dropped the bombshell and announced his sudden retirement from all forms of international. This unexpected announcement came as a surprise to many, as few anticipated him retiring mid-series, particularly considering his continued ability to contribute to the team.
R Ashwin's retirement call comes as a shocker for many
Ashwin, accompanied by India captain Rohit Sharma, addressed the media and announced his retirement.
Rohit Sharma, when questioned about Ashwin's decision, revealed that he had learned about Ashwin's plans after arriving in Perth. Despite this, Rohit reportedly convinced Ashwin to play the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.
"When I arrived in Perth, this was a chat we had, and I somehow convinced him to stay for that pink ball Test match, and then after that, it just happened...He felt that if I am not needed right now in the series, I am better off saying goodbye to the game," Rohit said in the post-match press conference.
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But, according to recent reports in the Indian Express, Ashwin had not initially planned to retire before departing for Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, he had confided in his family about his struggles with a knee injury and hinted at the possibility of retirement. His family, understanding his concerns, encouraged him to consider retirement. While Ashwin initially hinted that he would announce his retirement after the tour of Australia, he later informed his family that he would make the announcement on December 18, following his exclusion from the Brisbane Test.
Another report from PTI, revealed that Ashwin had already made the decision to retire from international cricket after the home series against New Zealand. He reportedly sought clarity from the team management regarding his place in the playing XI for the Australia tour, hinting that he would not travel to Australia if he wasn't assured of a consistent role in the team.
Ashwin's retirement decision not only shocked the fans and former cricketers but everyone within the Indian dressing room. Reportedly, Ashwin personally informed each player of his decision.
Did Gautam Gambhir's call to prefer Washington Sundar over R Ashwin the reason behind ace spinner's retirement?
Reports also revealed that India's head coach Gautam Gambhir's decision to select Washington Sundar over Ashwin for a particular match triggered Ashwin's decision to take the big call on his illustrious career.
However, as per the same report, Ashwin's decision was his own and there's was no nudge from the selection committee.
"There was no nudge from the selection committee. Ashwin is a legend in Indian cricket and he has the right to take his own call," a source close to the BCCI said.
Even former India's star spinner Harbhajan Singh also feels 'Washington Sundar factor' could be the reason behind Ashwin's decision.
"I am hearing this from here and there that Washington Sundar will be given more attention. There are 5 matches in England. Only two spinners will go there. And who will be those two spinners? Jadeja and Ashwin. Or Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Maybe there are many things in the player's mind. We don't know. But all I can say is... This decision was not easy," Harbhajan told Sports Now.
R Ashwin retired as India's second-most successful bowler across all formats, having claimed 765 wickets throughout his career. His final Test appearance was in Adelaide, where he took his 537th Test wicket to become India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test, trailing only Anil Kumble's record of 619 wickets. Ashwin's glittery career, which began in 2010, witnessed numerous successes, including the 2011 World Cup victory, the 2013 Champions Trophy triumph, and two appearances in the World Test Championship final.
