Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest had finally declared his innings from the international representation for India. But fans have been speculating why he was not picked for his farewell match for the Gabba Test in Brisbane. Rohit Sharma’s candid revelation about Ashwin’s non-selection reveals the complex strategic calculus underlying team selection during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Ashwin’s Story is Similar to Dhoni’s

Ravichandran Ashwin made this decision exactly ten years after Dhoni’s retirement. This time too, the team is on a tour of Australia. Just like Dhoni, as soon as Ashwin announced his retirement, he did not play any further matches. Ashwin also did not say that the next or the last match of this series would be his final match. As soon as he announced it, his retirement began.

MS Dhoni Left Test Cricket Ten Years Ago

MS Dhoni announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2014. At that time, Team India was also on a tour of Australia. There was supposed to be a four-match series, and after the third match, Mahendra Singh Dhoni suddenly announced that he would no longer play Test cricket. In 2014, the third Test was also a draw, and this time too, the third Test ended in a draw. When Dhoni had announced his retirement, one match of the series was still remaining, but Dhoni had put an end to his Test career right there and did not play the last Test. The last Test of that series was also played in Sydney. This time too, the third match is in Melbourne, and the final match will be played in Sydney.

Now Ashwin and Dhoni Will Play IPL Together for CSK

Interestingly, even though Ashwin has now left international cricket, he will be seen playing in the IPL. In this auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have picked him up. This means he will be playing in the yellow jersey alongside his old teammate MS Dhoni. It’s possible that Ashwin might also retire wearing the yellow jersey in the IPL. Because the current team formations are for three years. There’s very little chance that Ashwin will be seen in the IPL three years from now. We’ll have to wait and see what decision Ashwin makes about his future career.