The Indian cricket fraternity has been left shocked by the sudden retirement of premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The all-rounder made the decision public after the third Test between India and Australia, which was played at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Not only the fans but also the family of Ravichandran Ashwin, too, have been left shocked by the sudden decision, especially his father. The father of Ashwin, since the last two days, has given quite a few strong statements on his son’s retirement, saying that the off-spinner’s retirement came because of the humiliation he faced.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s father cancelled the tickets for MCG and SCG Tests after his son called to inform him about his retirement
Ashwin’s father wasn’t aware of his son’s retirement and as per a fresh report in the Indian Express, he was all set to travel to Australia to witness his son. It is learned that the cricketer’s father booked flight tickets for the Boxing Day Test and the New Year’s Test in Melbourne and Sydney.
This is because he was hopeful that Ravichandran Ashwin would return to play in the playing XI for the last two games of the series. However, he had to cancel the tickets when the off-spinner called his family members to inform him about his decision to call it quits in Brisbane itself.
The reports also added that Ashwin had the thought of retirement in his mind for a while because of his knee troubles. However, the off-spinner decided to give it one more push, considering that there isn’t any Test assignment for India immediately after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Before leaving for Australia, Ravichandran Ashwin was in two minds – Reports
The source close to the development confirmed the same and stated:
“With his knee giving him trouble, he had given retirement a thought. Those in his close circle say even before he left for Australia, he was in two minds but wanted to give one final push as there isn’t any immediate Test series lined up post the tour Down Under.
“So once he boarded the flight to Perth, his family and friends expected him to finish the series, with father Ravichandran even booking flight tickets to watch the Boxing Day and New Year Tests. On Tuesday night, he phoned to inform them that December 18 would be his last day as an international cricketer.“
Ravichandran Ashwin ended his career as one of the best players to have played for India in Tests
There is no official confirmation as to why Ashwin called time on his career in between the series. Many have been left wondering if the off-spinner was forced to retire by the management. There were also recent reports which added that more retirements will be on the way as the series progresses.
Ravichandran Ashwin ended his career as one of the best players to have played for India in Tests. He ended his career as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests, ending with 537 scalps in 106 games, leaving him only behind Anil Kumble (619 wickets).