Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 15, 2025, 02:20 PM
Ravichandran Ashwin: The Indian cricket team had to face a crushing defeat of 1-3 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the tour of Australia. This series was in the news for many reasons in Indian cricket history. Apart from the performance of the players on the field, there were many such incidents which were discussed for a long time. The most shocking incident among these was the sudden retirement of the team's experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. After the Gaba Test, Ashwin surprised everyone by announcing his retirement from cricket. The reason behind this decision and the news of the internal dispute of the team created a stir among cricket lovers.Ashwin's sudden retirement: What was the reason?Ravichandran Ashwin spoke openly about this shocking decision on his YouTube channel 'Aish Ki Baat'. He told that the creativity inside him was over and he started feeling that his cricketing journey was over. He said, "I think a lot about what to do next in life. If someone starts feeling that his work is done, then there is no point in thinking anything. I felt that I am no longer capable of doing something new and creative. That's why I decided to retire." Ashwin also clarified that his decision was not sudden, but it was the result of a long-running mental process. He said that if a player feels that his ability is ending, then he should decide about his career himself. News of internal dispute in the team After Ashwin's retirement, reports of differences within the team also surfaced. According to media reports, there was a rift between Ashwin and the team's head coach Gautam Gambhir over some things. Apart from this, there were also rumors of his differences with Rohit Sharma. However, no one officially reacted to these reports. Some cricket experts also raised questions as to why Ashwin was not given a chance to play in the last Test. Many veterans believed that Ashwin should have been given the honor of Farewell Test. "I could have played more, but there was no place in the team"Ashwin also answered the questions raised after retirement. He said, "People said a lot, but it was not such a big deal. I did not play the first match, played the second, then got out of the third. Maybe I would have played the next match, but if I was kept in the team just for a farewell, I would not have liked it. I am not a player who wants a place in the team just for a farewell."Ashwin made it clear that he still has the passion to play cricket, but not with the Indian team. He said, "I could have played more cricket, but I felt it was better to retire only when people ask 'Why now?' Not when people say 'Why not now?' This was the right time for me to give a respectable farewell."Ashwin's future: Will he play in foreign leagues?Ashwin also indicated in his statement that he is now interested in playing in foreign leagues. He said, "I still have cricket left in me. I am ready to play it on any other platform. I can enjoy my cricket even after going out of the Indian dressing room." His statement indicates that he can now be seen in IPL or other foreign T20 leagues.Reaction of cricket expertsMany former cricketers and experts reacted to Ashwin's sudden retirement. Some called it a big loss for Indian cricket, while some praised his decision.Former captain Sunil Gavaskar said, "Ashwin is a player who always tries to give 100% for the team. His sudden retirement is shocking, but it is his personal decision and we should respect it."At the same time, former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra said, "Ashwin's contribution to Indian cricket has been huge. However, if he did not find his place in the team, then his retirement is a wise decision. Every player has to decide for himself when to retire." ConclusionRavichandran Ashwin's retirement proved to be a turning point for Indian cricket. His decision not only shocked his fans but also raised many questions about the internal atmosphere of the team. However, Ashwin described his decision as completely personal and clarified that he wanted to retire on his own terms.This decision of Ashwin once again gives the message that cricket is not just a game played on the field, but it is also a reflection of the mental state and thinking of the players. Ashwin's retirement is proof that sometimes it becomes necessary for the players to retire on their own terms, so that they can end their career with respect.