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Ravichandran Ashwin's decision to announce his retirement from international cricket came as a surprise for fans and former cricketers alike including spin legend Harbhajan Singh. R Ashwin's retirement marked the end of an era in Indian cricket. Ashwin dropped the bombshell after the third Test between India and Australia ended in a draw.
Harbhajan Singh discloses reason behind R Ashwin's sudden retirement
Harbhajan Singh is still trying to process Ashwin's decision to retire midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series against Australia. He noted that he expected Ashwin to play a crucial role in the upcoming Test matches in Melbourne and Sydney, given the generally favorable conditions for spinners at these venues.
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However, Harbhajan also said that whatever decision Ashwin has taken, he must have taken it with a lot of thought.
"I was very surprised. I was a little shocked that such a big decision came in the middle of a series. But we need to respect the fact that whatever decision he has taken, he must have taken it with a lot of thought. He is a very thinking cricketer. He is a great player. Salute to his achievement. Salute to him. He has been a great player. He has won a lot of matches and series for India. So, well done on a great career and I hope that the future is better than the field of cricket. This is my prayer for you," Harbhajan told Sports Now.
Harbhajan also feels that Washington Sundar is being given more preference, especially considering India's next assignment, when they travel to England for Test series in 2025. Moreover, Harbhajan pointed out that R Ashwin has not been a regular feature in India's overseas tours in recent years and the lack of consistent opportunities might have played a role in Ashwin's decision to retire from international cricket.
"When you are not played continuously (outside India). You play only one or two matches. So, sometimes the player thinks, 'What else do I have to prove so that I am played outside continuously?'" Harbhajan added.
"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," India's spin legend concluded.
R Ashwin retired as India's second-most successful bowler, as he picked 765 wickets across all formats. His final Test appearance was in Adelaide, where he captured his 537th Test wicket and became India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, trailing only Anil Kumble's record of 619 wickets.
