Coach Gautam Gambhir played a role in R Ashwin’s shock exit

The mood in the Indian camp was absolutely joyful as the players fought hard for a draw against Australia in the Brisbane Test. However, Ravichandran AshwinThe sudden decision to resign mid-series shocked everyone. Ashwin, one of today’s greatest cricketers, bid farewell to international cricket after the match concluded, leaving several questions unanswered. Ashwin becomes India captain Rohit Sharma at the post-game press conference, but did not answer any questions as he announced his retirement decision.

While the decision did come as a shock to cricket fans around the world, those who had been closely following Ashwin on the cricket field knew that all was not well. A PTI report explains the story behind Ashwin’s decision to hang up his boots midway through the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, including the role of head coach Gautam Gambhir.

– R Ashwin did not want to fly to Australia unless he was guaranteed a spot in the XI. After India’s three-match Test series against New Zealand ended with a 0-3 win for Rohit Sharma’s men, Ashwin began to wonder what was next for him. He even sought guarantees from the selectors to be part of the selection XI during the Australia tour. Certain guarantees were apparently given to him even when India chose Washington Sundar as the third player of the tour, along with Ravindra Jadeja.

– Ashwin suffered his first setback when Washington Sundar was selected instead of him for the Perth Test. The choice of spinner, despite keeping the same profile as Ashwin, seems to have really hurt the veteran spinner. As a result, Ashwin wondered whether he should even continue playing for the rest of the series.

– Ashwin spoke about his situation with captain Rohit Sharma, where he expressed his desire to hang up his boots as the team “didn’t need his services”. Rohit somehow convinced him to stay for the pink ball Test by promising to play in the selection XI, which the Indian captain also delivered.

– When the third Test arrived, Ravindra Jadeja brought Ashwin into the playing XI, signaling what lay ahead for the Tamil Nadu-born spinner. Ashwin was already reading between the lines and Jadeja’s selection was a sure sign of what the future holds.

“Although there is a strong possibility that India will select two spinners for the Sydney Test. But Ashwin also understood that he still wouldn’t make it into the playing XI. He is currently ranked 3rd in the pecking order with Sundar and Jadeja being the preferred pairing. As far as Ashwin’s future is concerned, it was a word and a half message.

– When Rohit was unable to play in the Perth Test, the head coach Gautam Gambhir reiterated his bold decision by saying that India’s top spinner will move forward. Ashwin realized it wasn’t him.

After 537 Test wickets at the age of 38, Ashwin realized he would not be able to make it through the next cycle of the World Test Championship, which ends in 2027. cycle, Ashwin realizes how low in the pecking order he has sunk. Amidst all these changes in the transition process that the Indian team is going through, what does not change is the respect, recognition and records that R Ashwin has earned over the years.