In a move that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Ravichandran Ashwinone of the most famous cricketers in India, announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18. The timing of the decision, during the Gavaskar-Limited Trophy in Australia, surprised everyone.
Ravichandran Ashwin's shocking retirement: A legend bids farewell
Ashwin's illustrious career spanned 106 Test matches, during which he claimed 537 wickets at an impressive average of 24.01 and contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 3503 runs, including six centuries and 14 fifty. His dual contributions as a bowler and batter made him a pillar of the Indian Test side, and suddenly left cricket fans and experts grappling with mixed emotions.
The first signs of Ashwin's retirement emerged on the fifth day of the Gabba Test, where he was seen embracing Virat Kohli in an emotional moment in the dressing room. Speculation grew stronger when he entered Rohit Sharma at the post-match press conference, only to officially announce his retirement before leaving the venue. Although the timing baffled many, Ashwin's decision seems to have been well considered. He is expected to return to India on Thursday, ending a career that will leave an indelible mark on the sport.
A very successful career for India was cut short
Ashwin retires as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, behind only the legendary Anil Kumble. Kumble's record of 619 wickets in 132 matches seemed within Ashwin's grasp, but the veteran spinner opted to step out just 82 wickets short. Ashwin's remarkable home record stood as a testament to his dominance in spin-friendly conditions, with 383 of his 537 wickets coming on Indian soil at an impressive average of 21.44. However, with India's next home Test series scheduled for August 2025, the long wait for important opportunities on familiar turf may have influenced his decision to retire.
Ashwin leaves a legacy that extends far beyond numbers. His tactical ability, the ability to produce foxy batsmen, and his contributions both in batting and bowling made him one of the most complete players of his era. While his sudden retirement has left fans wanting more, Ashwin's achievements will continue to inspire young cricketers who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
Read also: Cricket world reacts as Ravichandran Ashwin announces immediate retirement
3 main factors behind Ashwin's sudden decision to retire
1. Limited opportunities in overseas exams
Ashwin's participation in overseas Test matches has been sporadic in recent years, with team management often favoring heavy-hitting attacks in foreign conditions. In the ongoing BGT, Ashwin played only the second Test at Adelaide and was not considered for the first or third matches. This pattern of less involvement in overseas Tests could have frustrated the spinner, forcing him to call time on his career. Most of the time in the last few years, Ravindra Jadeja had emerged as the team's best player not only on the basis of bowling but also in terms of batting and fielding, both areas where Jadeja could be a mile ahead of Ashwin.
2.Lengthy gap before meaningful participation
India's Test schedule leaves little room for Ashwin's strengths to shine. If the team, qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.it will be registered to be kept in England next year in June, followed by another series in England. Ashwin's next major at home would not come until October 2025, in a series against the The West Indies. Facing almost a year before he could contribute, Ashwin might have thought this was an opportune time to retire and explore other avenues.
3.Focus on personal and professional priorities
At 38, Ashwin may have weighed his options and decided to prioritize his personal life and other professional pursuits. After being a consistent performer for over a decade, the demands of international cricket, coupled with long tours and little downtime, could have contributed to his decision to step away from the game.
With the composition of India's Test team on the rise, Ashwin might have expected less chances even in the upcoming series. Younger spinners rise in form Washington Sundarwho got the nod ahead of Ashwin in the first game, and the team's growing reliance on fast bowlers in overseas conditions may have raised doubts about his place in the future, a ' lead to his decision to retire while still at the top of his game.
