Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire from international cricket may have caught many off guard, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected for those close to the team. Indian captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that he had been informed of Ashwin’s intention since the conclusion of the Perth Test on November 25. Interestingly, Virat Kohli was only made aware of the news on Wednesday morning. Key figures in the Indian cricket set-up were clearly notified ahead of the official announcement.
The full scope of Ashwin’s retirement—whether it was a voluntary decision, a result of careful planning, or influenced by factors outside of his control—remains unclear. However, it’s anticipated that India will undergo a period of transformation soon, with the next Test series in England in the summer of 2025 likely marking the beginning of this change. Historically, tours of Australia have been known to trigger the end of many prominent cricketing careers, and the ongoing series may be a turning point.
Ashwin’s Dropping and the Unspoken Impact
For Ashwin, the decision to retire raises questions about his final months in the team. Being dropped in favor of Washington Sundar for the Perth Test was a significant moment, and it’s likely that it wasn’t easy for a player with such a distinguished career. With over 500 wickets in Test cricket (537 to be exact), Ashwin has long been a key player for India. Yet, for the first time in his career, another off-spinner was preferred over him, a situation he hasn’t publicly elaborated on since announcing his retirement.
The Intellectual Cricketer Who Challenged Convention
This personal setback, though, is hardly the first for Ashwin. Known for his sharp cricketing intellect and deep understanding of the game, Ashwin has faced numerous challenges throughout his career. His analytical approach to the game has earned him respect, but at times, it has also worked against him, particularly when it came to leadership roles. Ashwin was once considered for the leadership role of the Indian team, but his captaincy of Tamil Nadu was often criticized for being unconventional. Despite his strategies, Gujarat emerged victorious, and Ashwin’s approach was questioned. However, years later, MS Dhoni adopted a similar tactic to counter Kieron Pollard’s six-hitting abilities, showing that Ashwin was ahead of his time in understanding the game.
Leadership Denied: Ashwin’s Missed Opportunity
Ashwin’s potential leadership role was overshadowed by Ajinkya Rahane, who benefited from the selectors’ decision at the time. Rahane’s consistent form, especially overseas, made him the preferred candidate. As a result, Ashwin never got the opportunity to captain the national team, despite his capabilities.
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch: Ashwin’s Impact on IPL
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Ashwin’s impact extends to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Some IPL insiders believe that Ashwin had a hand in shaping certain rules around player retention and auction strategies. These rules, which prioritize player welfare, reflect his progressive thinking. Whether Ashwin ever publicly claims credit for these innovations is uncertain, but it’s clear that his influence is felt within the IPL’s framework.
A Farewell That Reflects Ashwin’s Immense Contributions
The most fitting tribute to Ashwin came from MSK Prasad, India’s former chief selector. Prasad expressed that Ashwin deserved a more celebratory farewell, acknowledging his significant contributions to Indian cricket. “Retirement decisions are personal, but a farewell that truly honors his legacy would be an appropriate way to celebrate his remarkable career,” Prasad said.