"If I'm not needed…" Rohit Sharma reveals when Ravi Ashwin decided to retire from international cricket

Ravi Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after the third BGT 2024-25 test.

The third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 test at the Gabba left Indian fans with mixed feelings. Despite securing a draw after being outplayed for more than three days, the fans were left shocked by the unexpected retirement of one of the all-time greats Ravi Ashwin.

Throughout the series, India made changes to their bowling combination. The visitors have so far used three different spinners in three games in the series. Starting with Washington Sundar in Perth, the Asian giants moved to Ashwin in Adelaide before picking Ravindra Jadeja in the third test in Brisbane.

While Washington Sundar has shown promise in test cricket recently, fans expected Ashwin to continue for a couple of more years, given his outstanding performances at home.

Ashwin has finished his career as India’s second most successful test bowler with 537 wickets to his name only behind Anil Kumble (619). His impact extends beyond his bowling as he has also scored over 3,500 runs at an average of 25, including six centuries in test cricket.

Primarily known for his performance in tests, Ashwin played important roles in India’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013 triumphs.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma revealed when Ashwin informed him of his retirement decision.

Rohit Sharma reveals when Ravi Ashwin decided to retire from international cricket

Reacting to Ashwin’s retirement, the Indian captain acknowledged that a player’s decision to retire should be respected.

Rohit said, “If a player has choice, he has to be given that choice. Ashwin is allowed to make those decisions. We have to respect it. He was sure about it.“

Rohit revealed that Ashwin informed him of his decision in Perth and then he managed to convince the spinner to stay for the Adelaide test.

Rohit said, “I heard this when I came to Perth. This was in his mind since then. I somehow convinced him to stay for the pink ball test. He felt if I am not needed, it’s better to say goodbye.“

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