Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement announcement may have caught the cricketing world off guard, but it seems that those within Indian cricket's inner circle had been aware of the decision for some time. Rohit Sharma revealed that he had known about Ashwin's intent since the Perth Test, which concluded on November 26. Virat Kohli, however, only learned of the retirement on the morning of the announcement. This suggests that Ashwin's decision was not a sudden one, and key figures in the Indian team were likely prepared for the eventuality.
The timing of Ashwin's retirement hints at a broader transformation within Indian cricket. With the team gearing up for a challenging Test series in England in 2025, there are indications that Ashwin's departure could mark the beginning of a wider shift in the squad. Historically, Australian tours have served as a turning point for many international careers, and Ashwin's retirement may signal the first in a series of changes, reminiscent of the 2008 phase when several senior players made their exit in quick succession.
One of the catalysts for Ashwin's decision could have been his exclusion from the playing XI in the Perth Test, where Washington Sundar was preferred over him. Despite a stellar career, boasting over 500 Test wickets and being India's premier off-spinner for years, Ashwin’s omission in favor of another off-spinner was a rare setback in his career. While Ashwin has chosen not to provide extensive details about his decision, his reputation as a deeply analytical and cerebral cricketer suggests that the decision was well thought out.
Ashwin's career has always been defined by his sharp cricketing mind. He was known for questioning and analyzing key decisions, often delving into the logic or lack thereof in team selection. His intellectual approach, though a strength, may have hampered his prospects for leadership roles within the Indian team. When Ashwin captained Tamil Nadu, his unconventional strategies, including placing a fielder behind the umpire in key moments, drew attention. This strategy was later adopted by MS Dhoni and became popular across various cricketing leagues, showcasing Ashwin’s innovative thinking.
In the IPL, Ashwin’s influence is widely acknowledged. There are those within the league who believe that he played a significant role in shaping recent changes to retention and auction rules, which prioritized players' interests. While Ashwin has not claimed credit publicly, his progressive ideas have clearly left a mark on the league.
MSK Prasad, the former chief selector of India, offered a fitting tribute to Ashwin, emphasizing that the off-spinner deserved a more grandiose farewell. “While retirement decisions are personal, a legendary farewell would certainly have been a fitting tribute to his illustrious career. It would not only celebrate his achievements but also allow fans, teammates, and the cricketing fraternity to express their gratitude for his immense contribution. His legacy as one of India’s greatest cricketers is forever etched in history,” Prasad said.
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, but his impact on the game, both as a player and a thinker, will endure. His remarkable career, marked by over 500 Test wickets, innovative strategies, and significant contributions to the IPL, cements his legacy as one of India’s finest cricketers.
