Rohit Sharma Pays Tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin After His Retirement Announcement
India's captain, Rohit Sharma, paid an emotional tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin, following the star spinner's decision to retire from international cricket after the Brisbane Test. Ashwin, who played his final Test in Adelaide a week before, had been contemplating his retirement for some time, as revealed by Rohit.
Reflecting on their conversation, Rohit shared, "I heard about Ashwin’s thoughts on retirement when I arrived in Perth. I wasn’t there for the first few days of the Test, but I knew he had been contemplating it for a while. There were a lot of factors behind his decision, and when the time is right, I’m sure Ashwin will share those with everyone."
Rohit acknowledged that Ashwin's decision came midway through the series, and emphasized the respect the team had for the spinner’s personal choice. "It’s a very personal decision," Rohit remarked. "As a team, we have to respect it. A player of Ashwin's stature, who has served Indian cricket for so many years, deserves the space to make decisions on his own terms."
Rohit also revealed that the team was unsure about which spinner would play in the series, but Ashwin's input was valued, and his decision was carefully considered. "When we arrived in Perth, there was some uncertainty about the spinner's role. We were assessing the conditions, and that’s when I spoke to Ashwin. I convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test match, but he felt it might be time to bid farewell if he wasn’t going to be needed. We have to respect that."
Acknowledging the void Ashwin's absence will leave, Rohit reflected on their long partnership, both on and off the field. "I’ve known Ashwin since we were under-17 players. Back then, he was an opener, and to suddenly hear about him taking five wickets in Tamil Nadu was a surprise. Since then, we’ve shared a long journey, playing together for India since 2010."
Rohit highlighted Ashwin’s invaluable contributions to the team, calling him one of India's true match-winners. "Whenever we were in a crisis, we looked to Ashwin to deliver, and he always did. His record speaks for itself. He has been a servant of Indian cricket, leaving no stone unturned."
As India prepares for the upcoming series, Rohit emphasized the importance of supporting Ashwin’s decision. "This is a crucial time for the team to regroup and reflect. Ashwin’s decision will always be respected, and we fully support him in whatever he chooses," he concluded.
Ashwin’s departure marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, but his legacy as one of the country’s greatest match-winners will remain etched in the annals of the game.
