Ravichandran Ashwin retirement: Was it coming or forced?

Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement from international cricket has left the cricketing world in shock. Known for his sharp cricketing intellect and unmatched understanding of his role, Ashwin was more than just a spinner; he was a game-changer. His career was a testament to brilliance and resilience, bringing a sense of dynamism and stability to the Indian line-up. Ashwin’s contributions, often in tandem with Ravindra Jadeja, transformed India into a formidable Test side, particularly at home, where opposition teams dreaded facing the duo. However, the dominance that Ashwin symbolized came under scrutiny during a disastrous series against New Zealand in November. In Mumbai, where Indian cricket’s fortress seemed unbreachable, New Zealand completed a shocking 3-0 whitewash. The series not only highlighted the cracks in India’s Test dominance but also cast a shadow over Ashwin’s form. Across three Tests, he managed just nine wickets at an underwhelming average of 41.22, with no five-wicket hauls to his name.

Reality behind Ravichandran Ashwin retirement

Adding to the narrative was Washington Sundar’s stellar performance in the same series. Sundar claimed 16 wickets in just two games, making a significant impact with both ball and bat. Ashwin, in contrast, appeared far from his best, raising questions about his place in the squad. For a cricketer of Ashwin’s stature, the struggles of that series must have been a difficult pill to swallow. While his decision to retire is unexpected, his legacy as one of India’s finest all-rounders and spinners remains unshakable.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement from international cricket wasn’t solely driven by his form during the India vs New Zealand home series, though it likely hastened the decision. For a cricketer as passionate about the game as Ashwin, this move seemed rooted in pragmatism rather than emotion. Since Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as Head Coach of the Indian team, a notable shift in approach has been observed. Gambhir has shown unwavering support for senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, despite their struggles with consistency. While the duo has often failed to deliver, Gambhir has publicly backed them, demonstrating the kind of confidence and loyalty expected from a coach. However, behind the scenes, Gambhir appears focused on transitioning the team toward a younger and more dynamic future.

To pave the way for this transformation, tough decisions were inevitable, and Ashwin’s exit might have been part of that broader vision. A player of Ashwin’s caliber, who thrives on being indispensable, likely understood the shifting dynamics within the team. His departure, though abrupt, aligns with a narrative of practicality as India looks to strike a balance between experience and the evolution of its next generation of players. It’s hard to predict how many changes will follow the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but Ashwin’s sudden retirement seems tied to the team’s long-term plans. The decision appears reflective of a broader shift in strategy, as India looks toward a future that might not include some of its seasoned stalwarts.

Even skipper Rohit Sharma’s remarks after Ashwin’s announcement subtly hinted at preparations for life without the experienced off-spinner. While praising Ashwin’s immense contributions to Indian cricket, Rohit acknowledged that the team is already strategizing for a transition, focusing on developing a younger core. Ashwin’s decision, though abrupt, aligns with this narrative of evolution. As one of the game’s sharpest minds, Ashwin likely recognized the winds of change within the team setup, choosing to bow out gracefully rather than becoming entangled in the uncertainties of selection and team dynamics. His exit marks the end of an era while signaling the dawn of a new one.

"I heard when I came to Perth. Obviously, I was not there for the first three or four days of the first Test match, but this was in his mind since then, and there are obviously a lot of things that went behind it. I'm pretty sure Ash will be in a position to answer that, but he understands what the team is thinking, he understands what kind of combinations we are thinking, and when we came here as well, we were not sure about which spinner is going to play. We just wanted to assess and see what kind of conditions we get in front of us," said Indian captain Rohit Sharma. 

"But when I arrived in Perth, this was a chat we had, and I somehow convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test match, and then, it just happened so that if he felt that I'm not needed right now in the series, I'm better off saying goodbye to the game,” he added. 

At 38, Ravichandran Ashwin retirement aligns with India’s need to plan for the future. By the start of the next World Test Championship cycle, he’d be nearing 39, and while his fitness and skill remain unquestionable, India’s spin department is poised for transition. The combination of Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar alongside Ravindra Jadeja offers a younger, dynamic trio better suited for the challenges ahead. Ashwin’s continued inclusion would have been difficult to justify, and the management’s forward-thinking approach seems practical.

However, this decision doesn’t diminish Ashwin’s legacy as one of India’s greatest match-winners in Tests. His presence on the field was a constant source of unease for opponents, especially in India, where his mastery with the ball made him a key figure in India’s dominance. Ashwin’s desire to return to club cricket reflects his deep connection to the game. Whether turning out for Tamil Nadu or the Dindigul Dragons, his passion for the sport endures. Indian cricket may never see another Ashwin, a player whose impact transcended statistics, but his decision to step away is both understandable and respectable.