Sports News. The players worked hard to get a draw against Australia in the Brisbane Test, due to which there was an atmosphere of happiness in the Indian camp. However, Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden decision to retire in the middle of the series surprised everyone. Ashwin, one of the modern greats of the game, bid farewell to international cricket at the end of the match, leaving many questions unanswered. Ashwin joined Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the press conference after the match, but he did not answer any questions while making his decision of retirement public.
Ashwin was left in a dilemma
Indian spinner R Ashwin took the decision to retire from cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which surprised the cricket world. According to reports, Ashwin was not keen on going on the Australia tour as he was not guaranteed a place in the playing eleven. After India's 3-0 defeat against New Zealand, Ashwin had sought confidence from the selectors. However, Washington Sundar was selected as the third spinner for the tour, which left Ashwin in a dilemma.
First shock: out of Perth Test
Washington Sundar was selected in his place in the Perth Test. This selection was disappointing for Ashwin because Sundar's bowling profile is very similar to Ashwin. Due to this, Ashwin felt that questions were being raised about his place in the team. He expressed his intention of retirement after discussing with captain Rohit Sharma, but Rohit convinced him to stay till the pink ball Test.
Jadeja gets priority in the third test
After playing in the pink ball Test, Ravindra Jadeja was included in the playing eleven in place of Ashwin in the third Test. This gave a clear message to Ashwin that his role in the team was coming to an end. He was considered the third choice in the spin department along with Jadeja and Sundar.
Gambhir's role and Ashwin's decision
During the Perth Test, when Rohit Sharma was not available, head coach Gautam Gambhir played an important role in team selection. Gambhir's decisions made it clear to Ashwin that his future in the team was uncertain. After this Ashwin decided to retire. This decision of R Ashwin can prove to be a turning point in Indian cricket, especially in the spin department.
After taking 537 test wickets…
After taking 537 Test wickets, at the age of 38, Ashwin knew he would not be able to make it to the next World Test Championship cycle, which ends in 2027. Even though India are trying hard to make the finals in the current cycle, Ashwin is aware of how far he has fallen in the rankings. Amidst the changes taking place in the Indian team, what does not change is the respect, recognition and records earned by R Ashwin over the years.
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