- Tue, March 15, 2022
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Ashwin’s Sudden Departure: A Shocking Announcement in Indian Cricket
Indian cricket witnessed a seismic shift when Ravichandran Ashwin, one of its most decorated players, announced his retirement from international cricket. The timing, coming in the middle of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, left fans and cricket pundits alike scrambling for answers. With 106 Test matches, 537 wickets, and several match-winning performances under his belt, Ashwin’s departure feels not only premature but also mired in controversy.
“Comparable to Sachin”: Kapil Dev’s Praise and Regret
Among those voicing their admiration and regret was Kapil Dev, one of India’s greatest cricketers. Reflecting on Ashwin’s contributions, Kapil remarked, “In life, the next generation should always outperform the previous one. Never did I imagine anyone could rival the feats of Sunil Gavaskar or Sachin Tendulkar, but Ashwin came close.”
Kapil criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for not giving Ashwin the grand farewell he deserved. He lamented, “If I were there, I would not have let Ashwin leave in such a casual manner. I would have sent him off with the respect and happiness he truly deserves.”
This sentiment highlights a broader pattern in Indian cricket, where stalwarts like Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and even MS Dhoni have retired without official farewell matches. The same fate now seems to have befallen Ashwin, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of fans.
The Australia Tour: A Catalyst for Controversy
Ashwin’s retirement was closely linked to the events surrounding India’s Australia tour. Reports suggest he was reluctant to join the team unless assured a permanent spot in the playing XI. The decision by coach Gautam Gambhir to drop Ashwin in favor of Washington Sundar for the first Test at Perth reportedly led to tension between the player and management.
Captain Rohit Sharma’s late arrival to the tour added to the confusion. Though Rohit persuaded Ashwin to participate in the Pink Ball Test at Adelaide, his subsequent exclusion from the Gabba Test appeared to be the breaking point. Insiders reveal that Ashwin felt deeply disrespected, prompting his decision to retire mid-series.
Mental Strain and the New Zealand Series Defeat
Adding to the narrative was Ashwin’s mental state following India’s humiliating 3-0 loss to New Zealand in an earlier Test series. This defeat reportedly left Ashwin questioning his role in the team and his future in international cricket. Despite being ranked among the ICC’s Top 5 Test all-rounders, Ashwin faced an increasingly precarious position in the squad, exacerbated by competition from players like Ravindra Jadeja.
Fans’ Fury and the Role of Gautam Gambhir
Social media erupted with outrage as fans criticized Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team management for creating an environment that seemingly forced Ashwin into retirement. Gambhir, known for his uncompromising style, has been accused of sidelining Ashwin without considering his monumental contributions to Indian cricket.
Ashwin’s Father Speaks Out
Adding another layer to the controversy was Ashwin’s father, whose comments sparked widespread debate. In an interview, he stated, “Ashwin has been consistently performing well but was repeatedly disrespected by the team. We always knew this moment could come at any time.”
Ashwin responded with characteristic humor, posting on social media: “My dad isn’t media trained. Dey, father, what is this? I request everyone to forgive him and leave him alone.” While his lighthearted tone defused some tension, the underlying concerns about team dynamics remained unaddressed.
The Legacy of a Mastermind
Ashwin’s career is a study in brilliance and resilience. Known for his tactical genius, Ashwin’s bowling arsenal includes the carrom ball, off-breaks, and subtle variations that have flummoxed batsmen worldwide. His signature pause before delivery is a testament to his cerebral approach, as he reads and reacts to the batsman’s movements in real time.
Even legends like Nathan Lyon have hailed Ashwin as a role model, particularly for his mastery over left-handed batsmen on spin-friendly pitches. Ashwin’s innovations, from mankading to his sharp fielding acumen, have made him one of cricket’s most compelling figures.
Jadeja’s Rise and the Changing Dynamics
Ravindra Jadeja’s rise as a premier all-rounder added another dimension to Ashwin’s retirement decision. Jadeja’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him an automatic selection, often at the expense of Ashwin. The team’s increasing preference for a single-spinner strategy further marginalized Ashwin’s role.
Basit Ali’s Take: “If Kohli Had Been Captain…”
Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali stirred the pot by suggesting that if Virat Kohli had been captain, Ashwin’s retirement might have been delayed. “Kohli would have advised Ashwin to talk about retirement only after the series against Australia,” Ali remarked. He also speculated that coaches like Ravi Shastri or Rahul Dravid would have handled the situation differently, ensuring Ashwin’s continued participation in crucial matches.
Ashwin’s Farewell: Gratitude and a Notable Omission
In his retirement speech, Ashwin expressed gratitude to the BCCI, his teammates, and captains like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, the conspicuous absence of MS Dhoni’s name sparked a debate. Some interpreted this as a deliberate snub, while others viewed it as an oversight. Regardless, the omission added to the intrigue surrounding his retirement.
The Path Ahead: Ashwin Beyond International Cricket
Ashwin’s departure from international cricket does not mark the end of his playing career. He will continue to feature in domestic and franchise cricket, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings. His analytical mind and deep understanding of the game make him a strong candidate for future roles in coaching, commentary, or cricket administration.
The Verdict: A Hero Departs, but Questions Linger
Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement leaves a gaping hole in Indian cricket. While his decision seems rooted in a combination of professional frustrations and personal introspection, the circumstances surrounding it highlight larger issues within the team’s management. Ashwin exits the international stage as one of India’s greatest cricketers, his legacy firmly etched in the annals of the sport. Yet, his sudden departure serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by even the most celebrated athletes.
For fans and cricket lovers, Ashwin’s retirement is both a moment of reflection and a call to celebrate a career that redefined excellence. As the cricketing world bids him farewell, the question remains: Could this legend’s departure have been handled better?
#RavichandranAshwin #AshwinRetirement #IndianCricket #BCCI
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