Ravichandran Ashwin's shock retirement from international cricket has created a lot of buzz among the cricketing fraternity, with many debating the timing of his decision. He announced his retirement from international cricket immediately after the Gabba Test ended in a draw.
The sudden walkout of cricketers after the third Test match between India and Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane has divided opinion, with some former cricketers questioning why he did not wait until the end of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which is in deployment.
Basit Ali feels Ravichandran Ashwin's decision to retire 'mysterious'
Ashwin, who bid farewell to his stellar 14-year career, returned home on the same day he marked the end of his international career. The versatile star landed back in Chennai just a few hours later on Thursday, December 19, raising many eyebrows.
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Adding fuel to the fire, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed his disappointment at the timing of the announcement as he suggested that Ravichandran Ashwin's decision to retire was premature. He felt that there was nothing good in the Indian dressing room.
The former Pakistan coach also believes that if Virat Kohli had captained India, he would have persuaded Ashwin to delay his announcement until the end of the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, especially with two crucial Tests left in Australia.
If Virat Kohli was captain, he wouldn't have let Ashwin retire: Basit Ali
Moreover, Basit Ali also stated that if Rahul Dravid or Ravi Shastri were there as head coach, he would have urged the legendary spinner to wait and finish the Australia Test series, especially with India still having a chance to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. .
With the five-match Test series at 1-1 and key matches scheduled in Melbourne and Sydney, Basit criticized India's current head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma for not having convinced Ashwin not to retire at least at the end of BGT 2024-25.
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Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel, “I guarantee if Virat Kohli was the captain, he would not have let Ashwin retire and would have told him to announce it after two matches. Why? Because India will need him in Sydney. If Rahul Dravid or Ravi Shastri were India's coach, they too would not have let Ashwin retire at this point. It is too bad that Rohit and Gambhir could not convince him and say, “Not at this time; these two Test matches you need, especially in Sydney.”
Body language says it all: Basit Ali
The former Pakistan cricketer believes there is something mysterious about the decision, saying Ravichandran Ashwin's body language spoke volumes. He pointed out that Ashwin's hug with Virat Kohli in the dressing room spoke volumes.
However, Basit admitted that Ashwin may not be at his peak but believes he is still a valuable bowler and should not be under pressure to retire. He also mentioned Ashwin's record of being the second highest wicket-taker in Tests.
Basit concluded by saying, “There are some things you can't speak, but you still understand. Body language says it all; the way he (Ravichandran Ashwin) hugged Virat Kohli (in the dressing room). I agree he's not the same bowler but not too bad you put him under so much pressure… 537 (Test) wickets is a lot.”