R. Ashwin's unexpected decision to retire from international cricket midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has left both the cricketing world and his family stunned. The off-spinner's father, Ravichandran, expressed his surprise and disappointment at Ashwin's sudden announcement, revealing that the decision came as a shock to many in the family. Ravichandran had hoped that his son would continue to play for the senior national team, but he acknowledged that Ashwin's choice to retire was influenced by his own personal reasons, with the idea of "humiliation" being a central factor in his decision.
Although Ravichandran did not provide further details, it seems that he was alluding to Ashwin's prolonged frustration with the lack of consistent opportunities to feature in overseas Tests. Specifically, Ashwin had often been overlooked in tours to England and Australia, with selectors favoring Ravindra Jadeja as the team's sole spinner due to his all-round capabilities. Ashwin's exclusion from the XI during key overseas matches, particularly in Australia, where conditions have historically been more challenging for spinners, had created a growing sense of frustration for the experienced off-spinner.
The timing of Ashwin's retirement came as a complete surprise to his family and the cricketing community. The off-spinner made his announcement just after the third Test of the series between India and Australia ended on December 18, 2024. By the next morning, Ashwin had already returned to Chennai, signaling the finality of his decision. Ravichandran admitted that the family was emotional upon hearing the news, as Ashwin had been a fixture in the Indian team for over 14 years. However, Ravichandran also acknowledged that, in a way, they had anticipated this moment, given the mounting frustration Ashwin had been facing due to the lack of opportunities and the repeated exclusion from playing XI in overseas conditions.
Ravichandran reflected on how much Ashwin had given to the Indian cricket team, noting that his son’s journey had been one of hard work and perseverance. From his early days as a batter, Ashwin's transformation into one of India’s most successful and prominent off-spinners was a result of both his own dedication and the constant support from his family. Ravichandran, himself a former fast bowler at the club level, had been instrumental in encouraging Ashwin to take up cricket in the first place, and later, he stood by his son's decision to switch from batting to bowling, which ultimately paved the way for Ashwin's rise to national prominence. The father also spoke about Ashwin's desire to represent India on the global stage, and it was evident that the announcement of his retirement came as a deeply emotional moment for both.
Despite his mixed emotions over the situation, Ravichandran expressed that he had come to terms with Ashwin’s decision, understanding that his son had reached a point where he felt retirement was the best choice. While he admitted that part of him wished Ashwin had continued to play for the national team, Ravichandran also recognized that his son had been dealing with significant challenges within the team selection processes, particularly regarding the role of spinners in overseas conditions.
One of the pivotal issues in Ashwin's exclusion from playing XI in key overseas Tests was the preference given to Ravindra Jadeja, whose batting abilities gave him an edge over Ashwin in challenging conditions. Ravichandran mentioned that Jadeja’s all-round capabilities made him the preferred choice as the lone spinner in the team, with Ashwin frequently finding himself on the sidelines despite his skillset and experience. This situation added to Ashwin's frustration, especially when he was overlooked for pivotal matches in places like Australia, where conditions typically offer assistance to spinners. The decision to field Jadeja in Ashwin's place in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was yet another instance of this ongoing selection issue.
Ashwin’s decision to retire at this juncture, when the series was still ongoing and crucial Tests remained to be played at iconic venues like Melbourne and Sydney, raised eyebrows. Both these venues are known to offer conditions favorable to spinners, leading many to question why Ashwin had made this decision right before the final two matches of the series. Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary cricketer, voiced his concerns about the timing of Ashwin's retirement, suggesting that the rise of Washington Sundar in the squad may have influenced Ashwin’s sudden exit. Sundar had been selected ahead of Ashwin for the first Test of the series in Perth, and though Ashwin made a comeback in the second Test in Adelaide, his exclusion from the third Test sparked further debate about his future in the national setup.
The move to retire mid-series, and particularly in the middle of a high-profile contest against Australia, has sparked discussion not just about Ashwin's motivations but also the ongoing challenges faced by spinners in overseas conditions. Jadeja’s presence as an all-rounder and Sundar's inclusion in the squad have effectively marginalized Ashwin, despite his long and successful career. This situation left many questioning whether Ashwin's retirement was a result of dissatisfaction with his treatment, or whether he had simply reached a point where he felt the selectors no longer valued his skills, particularly in overseas conditions.
Ravichandran’s reflections on Ashwin’s retirement shed light on the difficult emotions and circumstances surrounding the off-spinner’s exit from international cricket. While the family ultimately respects Ashwin’s decision, they are still coming to terms with the fact that his remarkable international journey has come to an abrupt end, leaving a void in the Indian team, particularly in overseas Test matches where spinners like Ashwin have historically been an important part of the squad. As Ashwin moves forward with his life, his fans, teammates, and the cricketing world will continue to reflect on his contributions to Indian cricket, especially his exceptional achievements with the ball, which earned him a place among India’s all-time greats.
