Ravichandran Ashwin, one of cricket’s most decorated spinners, stunned the cricketing world with the announcement of his retirement. The abruptness of his decision has left fans and experts alike grappling with the void his departure creates. For a player of his stature, the goodbye felt all too quiet, almost unworthy of a cricketer who has done so much for Indian cricket.
India’s most successful off-spinner deserved a grand farewell. He merited the roar of a packed stadium, a guard of honour, and the chance to weave his magic one last time on the field. Instead, his announcement came in a room full of reporters at the end of the third Test in Brisbane. There were no rousing tributes or emotional speeches to a stadium filled with adoring fans. Ashwin’s final words as an Indian cricketer were shared in the dressing room, amidst scattered teammates, a low-key farewell to a high-impact career.
The only solace is that Ashwin walked away on his terms. As skipper Rohit Sharma observed, the off-spinner saw the writing on the wall and decided there was no point in continuing if his services were no longer required. Still, one cannot help but wonder if the lack of a regular spot in the playing XI, despite his extraordinary record, weighed heavily on his decision.
ASHWIN DESERVED A BETTER FAREWELL
Ashwin’s father, Ravichandran, alleged that his son faced humiliation, which may have influenced his decision to retire during India’s ongoing tour of Australia. While he could not pinpoint a specific incident, it appears he was pointing fingers at how his son was repeatedly overlooked in overseas tours.
World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev lamented the unceremonious nature of Ashwin’s departure, stressing the importance of a respectful send-off for such a legendary all-rounder. “The next generation has to be better than us. If not, the world is not going ahead. We never imagined that somebody would come close to Sachin Tendulkar or Sunil Gavaskar... Ashwin has gone. I wish I had been there; I wouldn’t have let him go like that. I would have sent him with a lot of respect and happiness,” Kapil Dev said.
Former chief selector MSK Prasad echoed similar sentiments, remarking, “While retirement decisions are personal, a legendary farewell would certainly have been a fitting tribute to his illustrious career. It would not only celebrate his achievements but also allow fans, teammates, and the cricketing fraternity to express their gratitude for his immense contributions. Regardless of when or how he chooses to step away, his legacy as one of India’s greatest cricketers is forever etched in history.”
Ashwin’s retirement marks not just the end of a glittering career but also the conclusion of an intellectual journey that redefined the art of spin bowling.
From his debut in 2011, Ashwin has constantly evolved. His off-breaks expanded into an arsenal of carrom balls, arm balls, and deceptive top-spinners. His genius lay in being both a bowler of the past and a visionary for the future. With 537 Test wickets—second only to Anil Kumble among Indians—his numbers speak for themselves, though his legacy extends far beyond statistics.
While legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are often hailed as India’s greatest match-winners in cricket history, Ravichandran Ashwin has quietly claimed a unique distinction—being the backbone of India’s dominance in home Tests. Read More
This article is referenced from
https://www.indiatoday.in/
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