Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed strong criticism over the timing of Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement announcement, which came immediately after the drawn third Test against Australia at the Gabba. Gavaskar argued that Ashwin’s decision to retire mid-series left India one player short for the remaining two Tests, creating an unexpected challenge for the team.
Sunil Gavaskar on Ashwin’s retirement
Drawing a parallel to MS Dhoni’s mid-series retirement during the 2014-15 tour of Australia, Gavaskar emphasized that such announcements disrupt team planning and selection. He pointed out that the selection committee had picked players with a specific strategy in mind, and Ashwin’s sudden departure could complicate matters, especially with the crucial Sydney Test ahead, where spinners are expected to play a significant role.
“He could have said, listen after the end of the series, ‘I won’t be available for selection for India’. What it does is that similarly when MS Dhoni retired at the end of the 3rd Test in the 2014-15 series, it leaves you one short. The selection committee has picked so many players for a tour with a purpose.”
“If there are any injuries they can select from the reserve players to have in the team. So, Sydney is somewhere where there is a lot of support on offer for spinners. So India could have played with 2 spinners. You never know. He could have been there for sure. I don’t know what the pitch in Melbourne will be like.”
“Normally, you tend to look at the end of the series. That’s it. In the middle, it is not usual,” said Gavaskar.
Gavaskar also mentioned that Washington Sundar might be groomed as Ashwin’s replacement, but the timing of the announcement left little room for adjustments. Despite his criticism, Gavaskar acknowledged Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket, calling him one of the finest cricketers the country has produced.
“Maybe Washington Sundar is ahead of him. Rohit said he is flying out tomorrow. So that’s the end of Ashwin as an international cricketer. He has been one heck of a cricketer,” said Gavaskar.
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