Was R Ashwin ‘forced’ into international retirement by Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir? | Cricket News
Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has addressed speculation about his retirement, clarifying that his decision to step away from cricket during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia was entirely personal and not forced by anyone. He also subsequently retired from the Indian Premier League in August this year.Ashwin made these revelations on his YouTube channel, where he discussed the circumstances of his retirement decision.
“No one told me that you should go, no one told me that there is no place for you in the team. Actually before I took the decision 2-3 people told me not to take it but I took my decision. In fact, they wanted me to play more,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.He specifically mentioned that then-captain Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir had advised him to reconsider his decision, though he didn’t discuss it extensively with chief selector Ajit Agarkar.“Rohit Sharma also told me to think about it, Gauti bhai also told me to think again. But I didn’t talk much about it with Ajit Agarkar. The decision is very personal when it comes to retirement. These are all very individual decisions,” he added.Ashwin had previously mentioned that he didn’t want to be just a touring team member if he wasn’t going to be selected for the playing XI.Regarding senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Ashwin emphasised the importance of clear communication between them and team management.“Virat Kohli is a bonafide ODI legend. The way he and Rohit batted in 2023 World Cup, they have nothing to prove. I really hope that the conversation happened. Whatever needs to be discussed with Virat and Rohit Sharma must have happened. There should clear communication with them,” Ashwin stated.He expressed confidence in both players’ continued value to Indian cricket.“I don’t think any selector or coach will have it in them to say that Virat and Rohit’s services are no longer needed. That experience you cannot buy in a store,” he remarked.Ashwin also addressed the future prospects of both players, particularly regarding the 2027 World Cup.“If there is any doubt as to whether they will be able to make it until the 2027 World Cup, then I think the direction they have taken seems to be fair. You cannot go leading up to the World Cup with so many question marks,” he said.He concluded by noting their commitment to maintaining their fitness levels.“There is no doubt that both Rohit and Virat want to be there. The preparation that we are seeing from them, it is an investment they are putting into their bodies to be ready for the World Cup,” Ashwin added.Both Rohit and Kohli, who have retired from Test and T20 cricket respectively, are currently included in the squad for the upcoming three ODIs against Australia, with Shubman Gill replacing Rohit as the ODI captain.
