Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire from international cricket midway through the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy on December 18, 2024, has shocked many in the cricketing world, leaving fans and pundits in disbelief. Having been an integral part of the Indian cricket team for over a decade, Ashwin’s retirement has raised several questions, considering his incredible record in Test cricket. With 106 Test matches, 537 wickets, and 3503 runs, including 6 centuries and 14 fifties, Ashwin has firmly established himself as one of the finest spinners in modern-day cricket. The timing of his retirement announcement, just after sharing a hug with Virat Kohli and walking out of the post-match press conference, made it even more surprising.
One of the key factors influencing Ashwin’s decision could be the increasing dominance of Ravindra Jadeja in the Indian Test team. Jadeja, who has been a mainstay in the playing XI for several years, has had an outstanding all-round impact, especially in recent matches. In the Gabba Test, despite his bowling struggles, Jadeja’s resilience with the bat—scoring a crucial 77 runs in India’s second innings—helped the team avoid the follow-on and ultimately draw the match. This performance might have been a deciding factor for Ashwin, as it solidified Jadeja’s place as India’s primary spinner and all-rounder. With Jadeja continuing to shine in both departments, Ashwin might have realized that his chances of securing a spot in the playing XI for the remaining matches in the series were slim. This could have prompted Ashwin to make the difficult choice to retire, recognizing that his role in the team was becoming less vital.
Moreover, the rise of Washington Sundar, a young all-rounder, has added more competition for Ashwin in the team. Sundar has impressed under the new coaching regime led by Gautam Gambhir, with the team showing increased faith in his abilities. Sundar’s all-round performances in the New Zealand series were particularly noteworthy, where he contributed both with the bat and ball. His growing stature as an all-rounder means that Ashwin faces tough competition for a place in the XI. Even in the Perth Test, despite having both Ashwin and Sundar available, India chose to play Sundar, signaling that the Tamil Nadu all-rounder is seen as a more favorable option in the current setup. With Sundar making his case for a regular place in the team, Ashwin’s future in the playing XI seemed uncertain, leading him to contemplate retirement.
Additionally, the emergence of young players like Nitish Kumar Reddy could have contributed to Ashwin’s decision. Reddy, who has been making a name for himself with impressive performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has impressed with both his batting and bowling. With Reddy scoring 179 runs in 5 innings at an average of 44.75 and picking up 3 wickets, his ability to offer both pace and batting skills provides India with an option that can fill the all-rounder role, thus reducing the need for a spinner like Ashwin. Reddy’s all-round potential gives the Indian team more flexibility in selecting a balanced squad, allowing them to choose one pacer, like Jasprit Bumrah, and rely on spinners like Jadeja and Sundar in home conditions. In overseas conditions, Reddy’s pace and swing could prove to be valuable assets, further diminishing Ashwin’s importance in the team.
Ashwin’s exceptional record at home, where he has taken 383 of his 537 wickets at an average of 21.44, is another factor that likely influenced his retirement decision. India’s domestic conditions have always suited Ashwin’s style of bowling, making him a key player in Test matches on home soil. However, with no significant home series scheduled for India after their 2025 tour of England, Ashwin might have realized that his chances of playing in India were diminishing. This shift in the scheduling of India’s future series could have further cemented Ashwin’s decision to retire, knowing that his opportunities to play in the upcoming matches would be limited.
Furthermore, in recent years, Jadeja has often been preferred over Ashwin in overseas conditions, where his all-round abilities and left-arm spin have proven effective. With Sundar also emerging as a viable option for the team, Ashwin’s role seemed to be under more scrutiny. In these circumstances, Ashwin might have thought it was the right time to step away from international cricket, rather than waiting for a time when his opportunities would be even more limited.
Ashwin’s decision to retire, while surprising, appears to be the result of a combination of factors. The rise of other players like Jadeja, Sundar, and Reddy, as well as the changing dynamics in India’s Test team, have played a significant role in his decision. Moreover, with no home series scheduled in the immediate future and his limited chances to feature in overseas conditions, Ashwin’s retirement seems to be a well-thought-out decision to step aside while he is still at the peak of his career. While his departure from international cricket will undoubtedly leave a void, Ashwin’s remarkable legacy as one of India’s greatest Test spinners will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
