India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday surprised the cricketing world by announcing his retirement with immediate effect in the middle of the Test series against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Was this retirement anticipated, or does it come as a surprise?
As Rohit Sharma pointed out, and Ravichandran Ashwin himself confirmed, this was a personal choice. Clearly, it’s a decision that has come straight from the off-spinner.
During the fifth Day of Brisbane Test, visuals of Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli engrossed in a deep conversation have sparked retirement rumours on social media.
A visibly emotional Ashwin was hugged by Kohli.
It was evident that, Sundar being chosen ahead of Ashwin in Perth, might have played a role in pushing him towards this ultimate choice.
Fans over Social media were trying to decode what the chat might have been around.
Even former India allrounder Sanjay Bangar speculated if Ashwin is retiring from international cricket.
So, what prompted this sudden decision of retirement?
Without an official statement from Ashwin himself, we can only speculate.
However, the situation surrounding his exclusion from the team can’t be overlooked.
Ashwin has endured considerable frustration in recent years, often being left out of the playing XI despite his solid form.
What must have been most painful is the repeated choice by different coaches and captains to keep him sidelined, especially in overseas Tests.
Perhaps the events in Australia were the final trigger.
This is a blow that Indian cricket must shoulder.
