Rohit Supports Ashwin's Retirement Decision Wholeheartedly
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Brisbane, Dec 18 (NationPress) Captain Rohit Sharma commended India's leading off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for his choice to retire from international cricket, stating that some decisions are deeply personal and the entire team stands firmly behind Ashwin's thought process.
The 38-year-old announced his retirement after the fourth Test against Australia in Brisbane concluded in a draw. He concluded his career with 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Tests, becoming India’s second-leading wicket-taker following the legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble. Additionally, he recorded six Test centuries and 14 fifties with the bat. His final international appearance was during the day-night Test in Adelaide, where he took 1-53.
“Some decisions are very personal, and I believe questions shouldn’t be raised regarding them. If a player has a choice, it must be respected. Someone like Ash, who has been a vital part of our team for so long, deserves the autonomy to make such decisions. We as teammates must honor that. He was quite certain about what he wanted to do, and the team fully supports his thought process,” Rohit remarked in the post-match press conference.
“I learned about this when I arrived in Perth. I wasn’t present for the first three or four days of the Test match, but this was preoccupying his mind during that time. Many factors contributed to his decision. I’m sure Ash will address those when he’s ready. He understands the team’s sentiments and the combinations we’re considering,” he added.
Speculation regarding Ashwin’s future had been circulating when cameras caught Virat Kohli embracing an emotional Ashwin during a rain delay on Day 5 of the Brisbane Test. Ashwin was also seen sharing moments with his Australian counterpart Nathan Lyon. On live television, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar hinted at Ashwin’s forthcoming retirement, which was later confirmed.
Although Ashwin has stepped down from international cricket, he plans to continue playing in the IPL, with a return to Chennai Super Kings anticipated in 2025 after being acquired in the recent mega-auction.
Ashwin’s international career commenced in 2010 with his ODI debut against Sri Lanka. He made his Test debut against the West Indies a year later. Over his career, he competed in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, amassing 765 wickets across all formats.
In Test matches, Ashwin was instrumental in India’s 12-year home dominance and played a pivotal role in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia. He is among the 11 allrounders to achieve the milestone of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests and has won a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, tying with Muthiah Muralitharan.
