The cricketing world is abuzz with Ravichandran Ashwin’s abrupt retirement from international cricket, a move that has left fans and pundits alike debating its timing and implications. Ashwin, a champion cricketer with an illustrious career spanning over a decade, has always been a maestro of reinvention—both as a bowler and as a thinker of the game. His decision to walk away mid-series, however, adds another layer of intrigue to his already storied legacy.
As I reflect on this, I cannot help but see this as a calculated decision by a player who has always played cricket with his head as much as his heart. Ashwin’s choice seems rooted in his unrelenting commitment to his team, his self-awareness, and his unshakable integrity.
A Champion’s Burden ::
In cricket, as in life, there is often a thin line between being celebrated and being scrutinized. Despite being India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, Ashwin’s place in the playing XI has been subjected to constant tinkering—particularly in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. The preference for an additional pacer or the emergence of younger talents like Washington Sundar has meant Ashwin has had to warm the benches far too often for a player of his caliber. The turning point arguably came during the New Zealand series at home. A 3-0 whitewash loss on spin-friendly pitches was an anomaly, and Ashwin bore the brunt of the disappointment. Expected to deliver with both bat and ball, his inability to bail out the team on this occasion invited criticism—criticism that overlooked the chronic failures of the batting lineup. As they say in cricket, a dropped catch or a missed opportunity can suddenly make even the greatest players appear dispensable. For Ashwin, the realization that he was being viewed more as a liability than an asset must have been soul-crushing.
Reading Between the Lines ::
One cannot ignore the double standards in team selection policies. Ashwin, despite 537 Test wickets to his name, has had to prove himself repeatedly. The same yardstick hasn’t been applied to others. Even in England in 2021, when the conditions cried out for his inclusion, he was left out in favor of Ravindra Jadeja. With Sundar emerging as another spinning all-rounder, Ashwin may have felt his time was up, especially with no guarantees of a place in the playing XI.
Rohit Sharma’s recent press conference in Brisbane, where he stated that “the team combination was not yet formed for Melbourne” could have been the final nail in the coffin for Ashwin’s decision. If a player of his stature isn’t a certainty even on spin-friendly surfaces like Melbourne and Sydney, then what message does that send?
The Wisdom in Walking Away ::
For a fiercely competitive individual like Ashwin, the prospect of traveling as a reserve player, especially at 38, must have felt undignified. With the next home series not scheduled until late 2025 and no realistic chance of featuring in the upcoming England tour (mid 2025), his choice to prioritize his family and other cricketing commitments seems pragmatic.
As the old saying goes, “Quit while you’re ahead.” Ashwin has effectively “clean bowled” everyone, leaving us not with the question, “Why hasn’t he retired?” but rather, “Why has he retired?”
A Legacy Beyond Numbers ::
Ashwin’s retirement doesn’t mark the end of his contributions to Indian cricket. A man of his intellect and passion will undoubtedly find other ways to serve the game, be it as a coach, commentator, or mentor. His book, I Have the Streets, offers a glimpse into his fierce will to perform and innovate, qualities that will continue to shape the cricketing world in new ways. Ashwin’s exit, though abrupt, is a lesson in dignity and self-awareness. He chose to step aside on his own terms rather than be pushed out. He ensured that his departure wouldn’t hinder the team’s progress or block opportunities for emerging talents like Sundar. In the end, Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision is a reminder that even the brightest stars must eventually set. And while his retirement might leave a void, his legacy as one of India’s greatest ever will remain undiminished.
So, I feel Ravi Ashwin has done it again – this time, not with his signature off-breaks, but with a masterful retirement call that has left everyone stunned! Is this the end of an era, or a clever move by a cricketing genius? Ravi Ashwin’s retirement call has once again demonstrated his uncanny ability to outmaneuver us all – much like his famous ‘carrom ball’ that has befuddled batsmen for years! With this retirement call, Ashwin has proven that his strategic brilliance and foresight, extends far beyond the cricket pitch.
