Ravichandran Ashwin, one of cricket's most recognized spinners, shocked the cricketing world on Wednesday by announcing his retirement, leaving fans and analysts puzzled by his sudden decision. His departure in the middle of a Test series against Australia has inspired equal parts appreciation and criticism. Tributes flooded in from all across the world, with teammates, cricket icons, and fans praising his contributions to the game.  However, the timing of his retirement created some questions.


Sudden Retirement And Few Significant Concerns


Ashwin, 38, is known for his inventive bowling and sharp cricketing mind. His retirement midway through a series is surprising and raises some concerns. Especially from a cricketer like him, who has been through a lot but has always put the team first. It wasn't the first time he had been overlooked or dropped from the team. Of course, it didn't make him happy back then, but we've never seen such a knee-jerk reaction. What prompted him to declare his retirement with immediate effect in between series?


Rohit Sharma informed on Wednesday after the press conference that Ashwin is flying out tomorrow and would most likely return home. That is even more surprising. Ashwin's remarks to the media while sitting next to Captain Rohit Sharma were pretty meaningful. Two particular remarks raised many eyebrows:



  • I believe I still have some punch in me, which I will probably demonstrate in club cricket.

  • I am sorry I won’t take questions, I feel I will not be able to answer questions in the right way.


These do not sound like statements from a man who is happily retiring. Also, keep in mind that India just managed to escape with a draw in Brisbane, and the series is still very much open. Then comes the last Test in Sydney, where spinners typically receive support. India may even consider using two spinners. Did someone tell Ashwin or indicate that you aren't needed as a second spinner? 


This conclusion appears abnormal for a variety of reasons. The circumstances says 'All Is Not Well' and we will hear a lot more about Ashwin's retirement episode in the coming days.


Ashwin Father's BIG Claim


There's not much to wait for, as the first episode is out today. Ashwin's father reacted to the star spinner's retirement, saying it shocked the family. Ashwin's father made a stunning remark, claiming that 'humiliation' could be one of the reasons behind his son's sudden retirement.


Ashwin was not chosen for the Perth Test, but was brought into the XI for the Adelaide encounter before being dropped again. Ashwin was a steady performer for India, but he has not had many opportunities to play internationally in recent years. "I also learned about it at the last minute," Ashwin's father told News 18. "I don't know what was going through his head. He just made the announcement. I gladly took it, as well. I had no sensation about it. But the way he announced his retirement made me happy in one way and unhappy in another because he should have kept on." He added, "(Retiring) is his (Ashwin's) wish and desire; I cannot interfere with that; but, the manner in which he expressed it could be for a variety of reasons. Only Ashwin knows; maybe humiliation."


Ashwin finished his career as an all-time great, with 765 wickets across formats, ranking second best in India and 11th overall. However, there is surely much more to reveal than what we have just heard on Thursday.