Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement announcement has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The veteran spinner, who was part of India’s squad for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia, dropped the bombshell during a post-match press conference alongside captain Rohit Sharma. Former players, fans, and experts were left stunned, especially given Ashwin and his remarkable career. Among those reflecting on the announcement is Ashwin’s former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) teammate, Subramaniam Badrinath.
Badrinath on Ashwin’s discontent over selection
Speaking to Star Sports Tamil, Badrinath emphasized the emotional toll Ashwin faced after being omitted from the playing XI in the first BGT Test in Perth. Washington Sundar’s selection over Ashwin was a key moment of contention. “I am shocked. I think, to be honest, he wasn’t treated fairly. Rohit Sharma said he wanted to leave after the Perth Test match. He wanted to leave when Washington Sundar was played ahead of him. That tells you he was not happy.”
Incredibly, India went with Washington Sundar over both Ashwin and Jadeja in Perth, predominantly over his extra height. Having said that, it wasn’t the first time Ashwin was left out of the Playing XI when playing overseas. In the next game, Ashwin did got an opportunity (in Adelaide) before he found himself once again on the bench in Brisbane.
Badrinath also elaborated on the challenges faced by Tamil Nadu cricketers, highlighting how Ashwin’s journey to becoming a legend involved overcoming biases and limited opportunities. “Despite all the odds, Ashwin took more than 500 wickets and became a legend. Imagine what he must have gone through,” he said, praising Ashwin’s character in bouncing back from setbacks.
Ashwin finished his career with 537 wickets in 106 Test matches, placing him seventh on the all-time wicket-takers list, behind Anil Kumble’s tally of 619 for India. His strike rate of 50.73 is the highest among the nine bowlers with over 500 wickets, while his bowling average of 24 ranks third.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Forget WTC final, what happens to India’s confidence in CT 2025 if Ro-Ko retire after IND vs AUS?
Top Stories
