Ravichandran Ashwin, left everyone in the sporting world dumbstruck by his sudden retirement declaration after the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane. Ashwin, who ranks second to only Anil Kumble with respect to India’s all-format wicket-taker, stunned everyone by not featuring in a farewell game when he announced it was his time to bid adieu to international cricket.
Badrinath Left “Shocked” After Ashwin’s Sudden Retirement
Subramaniam Badrinath, an ex-CSK batter, was one of the first to weigh in on Ashwin’s sudden retirement. According to him, Ashwin had been aggrieved by the treatment from the team management for quite some time. He found it surprising at the timing and manner of Ashwin’s decision, which suggests that the spinner had not been given the recognition and opportunities he deserved.
“I am shocked. I think, to be honest, he wasn’t treated fairly. Rohit Sharma said he wanted to leave after the Perth Test match. He wanted to leave when Washington Sundar was played ahead of him. That tells you he was not happy,” Badrinath said in a chat on Star Sports Tamil.
Ashwin Defied All The Odds To Become A Legend
“Honestly, I am saying something, it’s a big thing for a cricketer from Tamil Nadu. There are many reasons for that. Players from a few other states get better chances. Despite all these odds, Ashwin went on to take more than 500 wickets and became a legend,” he added.
Was Ravichandran Ashwin Sidelined?
Badrinath also claimed that there were attempts to “sideline” Ashwin, which he has batted away consistently. But it wasn’t just the efforts from his side, and Ashwin was left out in favor of Washington Sundar, due to which he decided to retire.
“Imagine what he must have gone through. I know he has faced quite a few things. On many occasions, efforts were made to sideline him. But every time, he has bounced back like a phoenix bird,” he added.
Ashwin’s Peaceful Decision To Retire
Ashwin decided not to stay with the team and returned home after the Brisbane Test. Upon his arrival in Chennai, Ashwin said he had “no regrets” about his retirement decision, which means that his retirement from international cricket was a well-thought-out and peaceful one.
