New Delhi:
In a shocking turn of events during India’s 2024-25 tour of Australia, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his immediate retirement from international cricket following the drawn third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. This unexpected decision has left many in the cricketing world stunned and has raised several questions about the team’s management and strategies.
Ashwin, who did not feature in the Brisbane Test, made his announcement in the post-match press conference, marking the end of a illustrious career that saw him take 537 wickets in 106 Test matches, placing him second only to Anil Kumble in India’s Test wicket-takers list. His international career, spanning over 14 years, included significant contributions in both Test and limited-overs formats, with 156 ODI wickets and 72 T20I wickets.
The retirement announcement has been met with surprise and some criticism, particularly from former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who suggested that Ashwin’s decision might have been influenced by his recent exclusion from the playing XI. Haddin pointed out that India’s inconsistent selection of spinners during the series could have frustrated Ashwin, who has always seen himself as the primary spinner.
Sunil Joshi, a former India spinner and chief selector during India’s successful 2020/21 tour of Australia, expressed his surprise at Ashwin’s sudden retirement. Joshi acknowledged Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket but questioned the circumstances leading to his decision. “I mean, we need to respect that, because he has been a modern legend of the game and there’s no doubt about it. But again, what transpired for him to do that? So obviously, we’ll have to know because it was unbelievable, and the board, selection committee, and team management should answer that,” Joshi said.
The series itself highlighted several tactical and strategic issues within the Indian team. Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s outstanding performance, taking 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, the other Indian pacers struggled to make a significant impact. The absence of a left-arm seamer in the lineup was also noted as a missed opportunity, as it could have provided a different angle and challenge for the Australian batsmen.
Ashwin, despite his retirement from international cricket, plans to continue playing cricket at the club level and has been bought by the Chennai Super Kings for the 2025 IPL season. He expressed no regrets over his decision, stating it was an instinctive call and a sense of relief after feeling a decline in his recent performances.
The sudden retirement of such a key player has put the spotlight on India’s team management and selection processes, prompting tough questions about their strategies and player handling. As the cricketing world adjusts to the absence of Ashwin from international cricket, the focus shifts to how India will fill the gap left by this veteran spinner and what lessons can be learned from this unexpected turn of events.
