Ravichandran Ashwin’s shock retirement from international cricket has created a lot of buzz in the cricketing fraternity, with many debating the timing of his decision. He announced his retirement from international cricket immediately after the Gabba Test which ended in a draw.
His sudden exit from the spin after the third Test match between India and Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane has divided opinion, with some former cricketers questioning why he did not wait for the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to finish.
Basit Ali feels Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire ‘mysterious’
Ashwin, who bid farewell to his amazing 14-year career, returned home on the same day he called time on his international career. The star all-rounder landed back in Chennai a few hours later on Thursday, December 19, raising many eyebrows.
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Adding fuel to the fire, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed his disappointment over the timing of the announcement as he argued that Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire was premature. He felt that there was nothing good about the Indian dressing room.
The former Pakistan international also believes that if Virat Kohli had been the captain of Team India, he would have convinced Ashwin to postpone his announcement until the end of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, especially with two crucial Tests still to go in Australia.
If Virat Kohli was captain, he wouldn’t have let Ashwin retire: Basit Ali
Furthermore, Basit Ali also stated 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 with India still having a 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 the current Indian coach, Gautam Gambhir, and captain, Rohit Sharma, for not convincing Ashwin to not retire at least at the end of BGT 2024-25.
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Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel, “I guarantee if Virat Kohli was captain, he wouldn’t have let Ashwin retire and told him to announce it after two matches. Why? Because India will need him in Sydney. If Rahul Dravid or Ravi Shastri were India’s coach, they would also not let Ashwin retire at this time. It’s too bad Rohit and Gambhir couldn’t convince him and say, ‘Not at this time. these two test matches you need” especially in Sydney”.
Body language says it all: Basit Ali
The former Pakistan cricketer feels there is something mysterious about the decision, saying Ravichandran Ashwin’s body language spoke volumes. He pointed out that Ashwin’s hug with Virat Kohli in the dressing room spoke volumes.
However, Basit admitted that Ashwin may not be in his prime anymore but believes he is still a valuable bowler and should not be pressured into retirement. He also mentioned Ashwin’s record of being the second highest wicket-taker in Tests.
Basit signed off saying, “There are some things you can’t speak but you understand. Body language says it all. the way he hugged (in the dressing room) Virat Kohli (Ravichandran Ashwin). I agree he’s not the same bowler, but not that bad that you put so much pressure on him… 537 (Test) wickets is a lot.”
