The former captain of India and one of the most recognized openers Sunil Gavaskar said that the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin from international cricket would not affect the team much as the allrounder did just like Dhoni did during the 2014-15 series in Australia. Immediately after the drawn Gabba Test, part of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin made the announcement that he was retiring from international cricket. Comparing it with the mid-series retirement of MS Dhoni during the 2014-15 Test series in Australia, Gavaskar argued that such decisions derail the planning. “He might have said, listen after the end of the series, I won’t be available for selection for India. What it does is that, to similarly when MS Dhoni retired at the end of 3rd Test in 2014-15 series, it leaves you one short,” Gavaskar told the broadcasters.
“The selection committee picks a team planning lots of tours in its purpose. Should any injuries occur, they can select from the reserve players to have in the team for various other events. So, Sydney is somewhere also with lots of support on offer for spinners. Thus India might have played with two spinners. You never know. He could have been there for sure. I don’t know how the pitch in Melbourne will be like. Usually, that’s when, toward the end of the series, you tend to look. That’s it. In the middle, it is not usual,” he added.
When asked if Washington Sundar was being prepared as a replacement for Ashwin, Gavaskar admitted it appeared likely. “Maybe Washington Sundar is ahead of him. Rohit mentioned that Sundar is flying out tomorrow. So, that closes the door for Ashwin as an international cricketer. He has been one heck of a cricketer,” Gavaskar said.
An emotional post for the fellow state-mate Ashwin has been put by Sundar on Instagram as the allrounder retired. “More than just a teammate – Ash anna, you have been an inspiration, a mentor and a true champion of the game. It’s been an honour to share the field and the dressing room with you.”
“Coming from the same state of TN, I have grown up watching you from the close corners of Chepauk to playing against you and alongside you. Every moment has been a privilege. The learnings, both on and off the field are something I will carry with me forever. Wishing you success and happiness in whatever comes next,” the post read
Coming at a time when the Border-Gavaskar Trophy stands finely poised at 1-1 after a draw in the Gabba Test, Ashwin’s retirement leaves a gaping hole in India’s bowling firmament as the players look towards a Test match in Melbourne and Sydney, destinations usually unforgiving to those armed solely with pace.
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