
Key Points:
- Ashwin’s Unexpected Retirement: The veteran off-spinner announced his decision after the third match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leaving fans surprised.
- Statement Sparks Speculation: Ashwin’s remark about retiring when people ask “why” rather than “why not” is seen as a veiled comment on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
- India’s Poor Show in the Series: Team India’s lackluster performance, particularly from senior players, fueled retirement discussions.
- Focus on IPL: Ashwin will continue to play in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings and participate in club cricket.
- Respect for Teammates: He avoided criticizing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy debacle to maintain team morale.
Ashwin’s Surprise Exit: Fans React to Early Retirement
Indian cricket was left stunned when Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the country’s most successful spinners, announced his retirement from international cricket after the third match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. At 38, Ashwin’s departure came as a shock, especially given his continued form and relevance in the game.
Ashwin’s Remark Sparks Debate
Addressing the buzz around his early retirement, Ashwin shared his perspective on his YouTube channel:
“I could have played more cricket, but when people ask you ‘why did you retire’ instead of ‘why didn’t you retire,’ it’s better to step away then.”
While the statement reflects Ashwin’s philosophy, many interpreted it as a subtle dig at senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have faced mounting criticism following their underwhelming performances in the Border-Gavaskar series.
India’s Struggles in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The Indian team’s performance in the series was lackluster, leading to intense criticism. Senior players, particularly Rohit and Kohli, failed to meet expectations, prompting fans to question their future in the team. In this context, Ashwin’s words have added fuel to speculation about whether he was indirectly commenting on their careers.
Ashwin’s Respect for His Team
Despite the controversies, Ashwin maintained a respectful tone regarding the series, explaining why he refrained from commenting:
“I was part of the team not too long ago, and I didn’t want to lower the morale of my former teammates.”
This reflects Ashwin’s sportsmanship and his commitment to maintaining a positive environment in Indian cricket.
Ashwin’s Future Plans: IPL and Beyond
Although retired from international cricket, Ashwin will continue to showcase his skills in the IPL 2026, playing for his beloved Chennai Super Kings. He also plans to participate in club cricket, though his involvement in retired players’ leagues remains uncertain.
Fans Divided Over Ashwin’s Statement
Ashwin’s retirement and his comments have divided fans. While many praise his decision to bow out at the peak of his career, others speculate about the underlying implications of his words. However, Ashwin’s amicable relationships with Kohli and Rohit suggest no ill intent behind his remarks.