R Ashwin's Retirement: How Coach Gautam Gambhir Influenced the Decision

Photo : PTI

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s best cricketers, has announced his retirement from international cricket. This decision surprised everyone because it came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Ashwin, who played 106 Test matches and took an amazing 537 wickets, decided to retire after the Brisbane Test against Australia. His sudden announcement shocked cricket fans and left many questions unanswered.

The Indian cricket team had just fought hard to draw the match against Australia, and the players were in a happy mood. But Ashwin’s decision to retire changed the atmosphere completely. After the match, he attended a press conference with India’s captain, Rohit Sharma. However, Ashwin didn’t answer any questions. He simply said he was retiring from international cricket, leaving everyone wondering why he made this choice.

For people who had been closely watching Ashwin’s career, his decision wasn’t entirely surprising. Reports say Ashwin was unhappy with his role in the team and had been thinking about his future for some time. After India lost a three-match Test series 0-3 to New Zealand, Ashwin started questioning his place in the team. Before the tour of Australia, Ashwin asked the selectors if he would get a chance to play in the team. While they promised him a spot, the inclusion of younger spinner Washington Sundar alongside Ravindra Jadeja made Ashwin feel unsure about his position.

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Things became more difficult for Ashwin during the first Test in Perth when Sundar was picked in the playing XI instead of him. This upset Ashwin because Sundar has a similar bowling style. Feeling left out, Ashwin spoke to captain Rohit Sharma and told him that he wanted to retire because he believed the team didn’t need him anymore. Rohit convinced Ashwin to stay for the second match, the pink-ball Test, and promised him a place in the team. Ashwin agreed and played in that match.

The situation became clearer during the third Test when Ravindra Jadeja was chosen in the playing XI instead of Ashwin. This confirmed Ashwin’s fears about his future in the team. Even though there was a chance India might play two spinners in the next match in Sydney, Ashwin knew he would still not be picked. It became obvious to him that he was now the third choice behind Sundar and Jadeja. This made Ashwin feel that his time in the team was coming to an end.

Another key moment came during the Perth Test when head coach Gautam Gambhir openly supported India’s first-choice spinner for the future. Ashwin realized that Gambhir’s comments were not about him. At 38 years old, Ashwin understood that he would not be able to play until the next World Test Championship cycle, which ends in 2027. With the Indian team bringing in younger players and making changes, Ashwin decided it was the right time to step away from international cricket.

Ashwin’s retirement brings an end to a fantastic cricketing career. He achieved so much and became one of India’s most successful bowlers in history. He broke records, earned respect, and brought joy to millions of cricket fans. Even though the end of his career was challenging, Ashwin leaves behind a legacy that will inspire young cricketers for years to come.

As India continues to play in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and other tournaments, the team will miss a player like Ashwin. His contributions, hard work, and achievements will always be remembered and celebrated as part of Indian cricket’s proud history.

Dec. 19, 2024 12:24 p.m. 293

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