Ravichandran Ashwin has talked extensively about his decision, which surprised fans and analysts around the world. Following the draw in the third Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba, the off-spinner declared his retirement. He entered the press conference alongside captain Rohit Sharma and declared that it was his final day as an international cricket player. Ashwin will go down in history as one of the biggest legends of Indian cricket. With 765 wickets in all forms, he is still India's second-highest wicket-taker in cricket, behind only Anil Kumble.
Ashwin opens up on retirement decision
Ashwin recently discussed his decision and the reasons behind it in an interview with Sky Sports.
“I’ve never been one of those kinds to hold on to things, never felt insecure in life because I don’t believe what I have today is probably going to be mine tomorrow. So, that’s probably been one of my elevating factors all these years. And I did want to just leave things behind as nonchalantly as I could because I do not believe in people celebrating me. I do not believe in the kind of attention we get sometimes in India," said Ashwin
“It is the game that’s always stood ahead of me all the time. Because if you watch me, talk about the game, or dissect it. It’s all about how much I love the game. It’s not so much what comes with it. I’m sure I’m not judging people who enjoy what comes with it, but this is my journey and I did contemplate it quite a few times."
“But one line that I’ve always said, the day I wake up and, and feel that creative sight doesn’t have a future or a direction is when I’d probably give it up. I certainly think that creative side didn’t have a lot of upside to explore. And I think that was probably muddling me a little bit," he added.
“Today I do something creatively, I’m starting to think where do I actually open the laboratory and experiment for this? OK, maybe that window is not there. So, it’s totally a battle inside me to think about how I’m going to experience or explore these options. And I do think there are laboratories available in world cricket today. So, I thought, OK, maybe this is not the lab. I can find another one," he concluded.
Ashwin made his debut for India in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Harare in June 2010. He played his maiden T20 International against Zimbabwe in Harare the same month. He later made his debut in Tests with a match against the West Indies in November 2011. With 537 wickets from 106 Tests at an average of 24, he concludes his Test career. He finished with 10 wickets in a Test match eight times and claimed 37 five-wicket hauls.
BCCI announces Tanush Kotian as Ashwin's replacement
Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian has received his maiden call up to the Indian team as he will join Rohit Sharma-led side for the final two Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test matches in Australia. Two days before the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne begins, the off-spinner, who can also bat, is scheduled to depart for Australia on Tuesday. Ravichandran Ashwin's recent retirement during the Brisbane Test has led to Kotian's addition. The 26-year-old's steady and impressive domestic cricket exploits won him a position in the squad.