Ravichandran Ashwin’s Retirement: Aakash Chopra Reveals Key Trigger
Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected decision to retire from international cricket in the middle of India’s Test series against Australia left the cricket world in shock. The veteran off-spinner, a top Indian bowler, chose to retire during a tough series. Ashwin called it an instinctive decision. But, Aakash Chopra, a former India cricketer, has insights. He suggests that Ashwin retired because of Sundar’s selection in the Perth Test.
“Sundar Played Perth Test, and Ashwin Said, That’s It”
On his YouTube channel, Chopra explored Ashwin’s decision. He noted the off-spinner’s struggle with his place in India’s overseas XI. Chopra said Ashwin knew he wasn’t India’s first-choice spinner for overseas Tests. Ravindra Jadeja was always preferred.
“What exactly has happened? There is a moment in everyone’s life, where you think, do I want to do this anymore? Am I OK with it? Ashwin must have had this in his mind for a long time that he does not play much overseas. He is not the no.1 spin option when it comes to overseas games. This was going on for quite some time. He made peace with it. Jaddu was always ahead of him overseas. So, he made peace with it that Jadeja is playing,” said Chopra on his YouTube Channel.
Ashwin’s frustrations grew after the pink-ball Test. He was dropped again for the third Test in Brisbane.
Ashwin’s Journey in the Series
India captain Rohit Sharma said he had convinced Ashwin to stay for the pink-ball Test. However, despite a good performance, Ashwin was dropped for the Brisbane Test. Other players took his place.
“But when Sundar played the Perth Test, then he said, that’s it, I am done. Ashwin played the Pink-ball Test but when he was dropped from Gabba, he said, he was done. You are not serious in playing me in the XI. I did nothing wrong in Pink-ball Test to be dropped from the Gabba game. In Gabba, Jaddu made runs so Ashwin was unlikely to feature in Melbourne,” Chopra reasoned
Ashwin’s Father Speaks Out
Ashwin’s father added to the discussion. He stated that his son was being humiliated in the team. Ashwin dismissed these remarks. He said his father isn’t “media trained.” His decision to retire was personal.
Ashwin’s sudden retirement has sparked speculation. Aakash Chopra said it may be due to years of frustration over limited chances in overseas Tests.
