2024-12-19 13:50:00
Ravichandran Ashwin’s surprise retirement from international cricket has created a lot of buzz among the cricket fraternity, with many debating the timing of his decision. He announced his retirement from international cricket just 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 divided opinions, with some former cricketers wondering why he did not wait until the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in progress.
Basit Ali says Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire ‘mysterious’
Ashwin, who bid farewell to his successful 14-year career, returned home on the same day he called time on his international career. The star all-rounder returned to Chennai hours later on Thursday, December 19, raising many eyebrows.
Also Read: Kapil Dev stunned by Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement; gives his first reactions
Adding fuel to the fire, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed disappointment over the timing of the announcement, suggesting that Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire was premature. He felt something was wrong in the Indian dressing room.
The former Pakistan coach also believes that if Virat Kohli had been the captain of the Indian team, he would have convinced Ashwin to postpone his announcement until the end of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, especially since There are still two crucial tests remaining in Australia.
If Virat Kohli was captain, he wouldn’t have let Ashwin retire: Basit Ali
Furthermore, Basit Ali also said that if Rahul Dravid or Ravi Shastri were there as head coach, they would have urged the legendary spinner to wait and finish the Australia Test series, especially since India has another chance to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. .
With the ongoing five-match Test series level at 1-1 and key matches scheduled in Melbourne and Sydney, Basit criticized current Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and captain, Rohit Sharma, for not convincing Ashwin not to retire at least at the end of BGT 2024-25.
Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin becomes India coach a day after retiring; BCCI releases images
Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “I guarantee you that if Virat Kohli was captain, he would not have let Ashwin retire and told him to announce it after two matches. For what? Because India will need him in Sydney. If Rahul Dravid or Ravi Shastri had been India’s coach, they also would not have let Ashwin retire at that time. It’s a shame that Rohit and Gambhir couldn’t convince him and say, “Not right now; these two test matches you need, especially in Sydney.
Body language says it all: Basit Ali
The former Pakistani cricketer feels that there is something mysterious in this decision, saying that Ravichandran Ashwin’s body language said a lot of things. He pointed out that Ashwin’s embrace with Virat Kohli in the dressing room spoke volumes.
However, Basit admitted that Ashwin may no longer be at his peak, but believes he is still a valuable bowler and should not be under pressure to retire. He also mentioned Ashwin’s record as the second highest wicket-taker in Tests.
Basit concluded by saying, “There are some things you cannot say but are still understood. Body language says it all; the way he (Ravichandran Ashwin) hugged Virat Kohli (in the dressing room). I agree, he’s not the same bowler, but it’s not that bad that you put so much pressure on him… 537 (Test) wickets is a lot.
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