R Ashwin retired from international cricket after Gabba Test. Photo: BCCI
R Ashwin made a shocking retirement announcement after the Gabba Test match against Australia. The veteran all-rounder landed in Australia as India's most experienced spinner but he was benched for the opening game in Perth. Washington Sundar, who came into the series after a brilliant run against New Zealand, pipped Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for a place in the playing XI.
Ashwin seemingly wanted to retire after the Perth Test but Rohit Sharma convinced him to play in Adelaide. Ashwin was once again benched for the Gabba game and he decided to retire from international cricket after the Test match.
Few hours after Ashwin's retirement, some shocking details have emerged regarding him. PTI has reported that retirement was on Ashwin's mind since the NZ series. Ashwin was part of India's dream team which never lost a home series from 2012 to 2024. The series defeat against NZ was a big blow for India.
The report in PTI adds that Ashwin made it clear to the team management that he would not travel to Australia if he wasn't a confirmed selection in the playing XI. He could have surely quit the game if the management didn't want him in Australia.
Ashwin gave a clear message to his captain, Rohit Sharma and told him: "If I am not needed right now in the series, I am better off saying goodbye to the game."
Ashwin probably wasn't a confirmed selection even in the Sydney Test, where India are likely to play with two spinners, and he decided to quit the game. Ravindra Jadeja looks set to retain his spot in Melbourne and he could be joined by Washington Sundar in Sydney.
Ashwin is on his way back home and will reach India on Thursday (December 19). One of the greatest Indian all-rounders, Ashwin scored 3503 runs and scalped 537 wickets in 106 Tests. He also played 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is. Ashwin will make his on-field return for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.
