Ravichandran Ashwin’s shock retirement from international cricket has created a lot of buzz among the cricketing fraternity, with many arguing over the timing of his decision. He announced his retirement from international cricket immediately after the Gabba Test ended in a draw.
The off-spinner’s sudden exit after the third Test match between India and Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane has sparked controversy, with some former cricketers questioning why he did not wait for the conclusion of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Basit Ali finds Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire “mysterious”.
Ashwin, who bid farewell to a 14-year long career, returned home on the same day that the star called time on his international career. The all-round star raised a lot of eyebrows when he returned to Chennai a few hours later on Thursday, December 19.
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Adding fuel to the fire, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed his disappointment over the timing of the announcement as he claimed that Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire was premature. He felt that there was nothing good in the Indian dressing room.
The former Pakistan selector also believes that if Virat Kohli had captained India, he would have convinced Ashwin to delay his announcement until the end of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, especially with two crucial Tests still remaining in Australia.
Virat Kohli wouldn’t have allowed Ashwin to retire if he was captain: Basit Ali
Furthermore, Basit Ali also stated that if Rahul Dravid or Ravi Shastri were there as head coach, he would have urged the legendary spinner to wait and finish the Australian Test series, especially as India still have a chance to retain the Sharad-Gavaskar Trophy. .
With the ongoing five-match Test series level at 1-1 and key matches scheduled in Melbourne and Sydney, Basit criticized current India coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma for not at least persuading Ashwin not to retire. End of BGT 2024-25.
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Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel, “I guarantee if Virat Kohli was the captain, he would not have allowed Ashwin to retire and would have told him to announce it after two matches. Why? Because India will need him in Sydney. If Rahul Dravid or Ravi Shastri were India’s coach, they too would not have allowed Ashwin to retire at this moment. Rohit and Gambhir failed to convince him and said, “Not now; You need these two Test matches, especially in Sydney.”
Body language says everything: Basit Ali
Former Pakistan cricketer Ravichandran feels there is something mysterious about the decision, saying Ashwin’s body language speaks volumes. He pointed out that Ashwin’s hug with Virat Kohli in the dressing room spoke volumes.
However, Basit admitted that Ashwin may not be in his prime anymore, but he believes he is still a valuable bowler and should not be under pressure to retire. He also held Ashwin’s record of being the second highest wicket-taker in Tests.
Simple, “There are some things you cannot speak, but you are still understood. Body language says it all; his (Ravichandran Ashwin) hugging Virat Kohli (in the dressing room). I agree he’s not the same bowler, but he’s not that bad when you put him under that much pressure… 537 (Test) wickets is a lot.”
