Was Ravi Ashwin insulted by the Indian team management? Check details

In a surprising turn of events, Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's most accomplished and respected cricketers, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. The news came after the third Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year career. Ashwin’s decision, though unexpected, has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, leaving fans and experts alike reflecting on his illustrious contributions to Indian cricket. Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary weighed in on Ashwin's retirement, expressing his concern over the recent trend of introducing relatively inexperienced spinners into the Indian setup, especially  during the home series against New Zealand. Tiwary suggested that the inclusion of these young bowlers, particularly when seasoned spinners like Ashwin were available, seemed somewhat disrespectful to the senior players who had carried the team for years.

He believed that Ashwin’s immense experience and skill deserved better recognition and a more prominent role in the team, especially in the absence of a consistent replacement. Tiwary’s comments highlight the broader issue of team selection and the balance between nurturing new talent and respecting the contributions of veteran players. Ashwin’s retirement, while personal, also raises questions about how the Indian team management values its senior players in the ever-evolving landscape of international cricket.

"Ashwin was insulted. See, players like Washington Sundar and Tanush Kotian - they are all quality spinners and have performed well in First-Class cricket. But when you have a player of Ashwin's calibre, what is the need for you to bring in Washington in the home series where Ashwin is there, Jadeja is there, and Kuldeep is there, and make him bowl more overs than Ashwin. Is that not an insult to Ashwin?" stated Manoj Tiwary during a recent interview. 

Manoj Tiwary also shared his views on how Ravichandran Ashwin, despite being a match-winner for India on numerous occasions, was not always given the backing or appreciation he deserved from the team management. Tiwary emphasized that Ashwin had consistently delivered strong performances, often stepping up when the team needed him the most, particularly in Test cricket. However, he felt that Ashwin’s contributions were sometimes overlooked or undervalued, especially when the focus shifted towards newer, untested players.

The lack of consistent backing from the management, according to Tiwary, may have played a role in Ashwin’s decision to retire. Tiwary pointed out that while Ashwin has been one of India’s finest bowlers in modern times, his value wasn’t always fully acknowledged, which could have contributed to a sense of disillusionment. Given Ashwin's track record and his ability to turn matches in India’s favour, Tiwary expressed that the legendary off-spinner deserved more recognition for his achievements.

"Will he just carry on, after giving so many match-winning performances? He will not come and say that because he is a nice guy. But one day, he will definitely come out and will share his experience. This is not the right process. They are also players, and they also need some patting on the back and dignity," concluded Tiwary.