India’s legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement on Wednesday, December 18. But this decision was extremely sudden and unexpected leaving all the fans and experts in ultimate shock. With 537 wickets in his Test career, what made him retire mid-series still remains a question unanswered.
What Was The Real Reason Behind Ashwin’s Retirement?
Fans have speculated that the management’s decision to bench him might have triggered him to take such a drastic step. In the post match press-conference Rohit Sharma mentioned about playing combinations that are right for the game and Ashwin would’ve understood that. He clearly highlighted that Ashwin felt if he is not needed in the series then he is better off saying goodbye to the game.
“When I came to perth, this was in his mind since then and there are obviously a lot of things that went behind it. I’m pretty sure, you know Ash, when in position he’ll be able to answer that but he understands what the team is thinking, he understands what kind of combinations we are thinking. But yeah, when I arrived in Perth, this was the chat we had I somehow convinced him to stay for that pink-ball Test match. He felt that, if I am not needed right now in the series I’m better of saying good bye to the game.”
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Fans Not Happy With Ashwin Being Benched
Fans have clearly taken the internet by a storm and expressed their disappointment over the decision taken by Indian Team management to bench Ashwin and not giving him a propel farewell.
No Farewell For India’s Top Off Spinner
Ash deserved a much better farewell.
— Khaaya Lagaya (@khaayaLagaya) December 18, 2024
@ashwinravi99 #AshwinRavichandran #INDvAUS #ashwinretirement pic.twitter.com/WHmE6MeeRa
I've not seen any Indian legend other than Sachin get a proper farewell match. It's a sad reality of Indian cricket. #AshwinRetires #ashwinretirement #Ashwin
— Abhigya Singh (@AbhigyaSingh11) December 18, 2024
In Ashwin’s stellar career he has 765 wickets in 287 matches, this includes 37 five-wicket hauls.