R.Ashwin was one of India’s legends; Stunning retirement raises questions

India-West Press Office

CHENNAI – Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the most famous cricketers, stunned the cricketing world on December 18 by unexpectedly announcing his retirement, leaving fans and pundits grappling with the abruptness of his decision. The 38-year-old’s departure, in the middle of a Test series against Australia, has sparked both admiration and debate. Known for his innovative bowling and keen cricketing mind, Ashwin’s retirement has sparked many tributes, with teammates, cricket legends and fans hailing his contributions to the sport.

However, the timing of his decision has raised eyebrows, especially with two matches remaining in the series.

The BBC pointed out that mid-series withdrawals are not unprecedented in Indian cricket. In 2014, MS Dhoni retired from the intermediate series of Test cricket in Australia. Yet, it is said, Ashwin’s decision has sparked speculation: was it age, fatigue, form or frustration with team selection that prompted his departure?

Ashwin had been sidelined during the ongoing tour of Australia, with Washington Sundar playing the first Test and Ravindra Jadeja taking the third, despite Ashwin’s presence in the second. This could have signaled to him that he was no longer the first choice spinner.

Whatever the circumstances, Ashwin leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, the BBC said in its report, praising him and documenting his achievements. With 537 Test wickets in 106 Tests and six centuries, he ranks among cricket’s all-time greats. His mastery of the ‘doosra’ and ‘carrom ball’ redefined off-spin bowling, inspiring generations of cricketers around the world.

Ashwin’s career statistics place him fourth among wicket-takers. He is also seventh on the all-time wicket-takers list. As an engineer, he continually evolved, adding variations to his bowling and using his analytical skills to outwit batsmen, the BBC said.

As an all-rounder, Ashwin scored 3,503 runs, including six centuries, often stepping up in critical moments. A fiercely independent thinker, he made waves by dismissing England’s Jos Buttler in the 2019 IPL, sparking global debate and challenging conventional cricketing practices.

Ashwin’s retirement, just months after he left for Australia as India’s first player, leaves unanswered questions and a void that will be difficult to fill, as the cricketing world adjusts to the end of ‘a remarkable era.