Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement from international cricket has caused quite a stir among the cricket team, with many discussing 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 divided opinions, with some former cricketers wondering why they did not wait for the conclusion of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 tournament.
Basit Ali feels Ravichandran Ashwin's decision to retire is 'mysterious'
Ashwin, who bid farewell to his brilliant 14-year career, returned home on the same day he ended his international career. The all-rounder returned to Chennai just hours later on Thursday, December 19, much to the surprise of many.
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To make matters worse, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed his disappointment over the timing of the announcement, as he suggested that Ravichandran Ashwin's decision to retire was premature. He felt that nothing was good in the Indian dressing room.
The former Pakistan selector also believes that had Virat Kohli been India's captain, he would have convinced Ashwin to postpone his announcement until the end of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, especially with two crucial Tests remaining in Australia.
If Virat Kohli was the captain of the team, he would not have allowed Ashwin to retire: Basit Ali
Moreover, Basit Ali also mentioned that if Rahul Dravid or Ravi Shastri had been there as head coach, they would have urged the legendary spinner to wait and finish the Australia Test series, especially with India still in with a chance of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. .
With the five-match Test series level at 1-1 and key matches scheduled in Melbourne and Sydney, Basit criticized the current Indian coach, Gautam Gambhir, and the captain, Rohit Sharma, for not convincing Ashwin not to retire at least in the tournament. End of BGT 2024-25.
Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “I guarantee you that if Virat Kohli was the captain, he would not have allowed Ashwin to retire and would have asked him to announce it after two matches.” Why? Because India will need him in Sydney. If Rahul Dravid or Ravi Shastri were India's coaches, they would not have allowed Ashwin to retire at this moment. It is bad that Rohit and Gambhir were unable to convince him by saying: “Not at this time; These two Test matches are needed especially in Sydney.
Body language tells it all: Basit Ali
The former Pakistan cricketer feels there was something mysterious about the decision, saying Ravichandran Ashwin's body language said a lot of things. He pointed out that Ashwin's hug with Virat Kohli in the dressing room had great meaning.
However, Basit admitted that Ashwin may not be at his peak anymore but believes he is still a valuable player and should not be under pressure to retire. He also mentioned Ashwin's record of being the second highest run bowler in Tests.
Basit concluded by saying: “There are some things you cannot speak but you are still understood. Body language tells it all; the way he (Ravichandran Ashwin) hugged Virat Kohli (in the dressing room). I agree that he is not the same player, but not As bad as you put him under a lot of pressure… 537 (Test) wickets is a lot.
