India's legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh questioned the thought process of Ravichandran Ashwinwho recently announced his retirement from international cricket after the conclusion of the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba.
Like everyone, Harbhajan too was shocked by Ashwin's decision and believes he could have played for a few more years. With the next Tests to be played in Melbourne and Sydney, where the pitch helps the spinners at times, Ashwin could have been in line to play.
Harbhajan Singh questions Ravichandran Ashwin's 'thought process'
While talking to Star Sports after the match, Harbhajan Singh questioned Ravichandran Ashwin's decision to retire amid a series. The former India player believes Ashwin could have got a game or two in the remaining Tests of the series.
“It was a bit of a shock to me when I heard that because to pull out when the series is going on is beyond my understanding. He might have had the chance to play in Melbourne and Sydney, and he played in Adelaide recently. So that you don't know what the rush was and what would have been the thought process behind this retirement,” Harbhajan said.
R Ashwin played only one game in this series which was the second Test in Adelaide. It was a day-night Test played with the pink ball. He returned figures of 1-53 on a pitch assisting the fast bowlers and provided almost no help to the spinners.
Ashwin was dropped for Ravindra Jadeja in the next Test in Brisbane. Harbhajan Singh also added that it becomes difficult for a player to stay in the team when he is dropped despite being the top player.
“It is a very difficult decision. When a bowler who has taken a lot of wickets goes overseas for a tour like Australia, England or South Africa where you would only play a spinner, it hurts when you are not selected despite taking the most. Then it is probably not right to stay there,” remarked Harbhajan.
Harbhajan Singh congratulates Ravichandran Ashwin
While Harbhajan was unhappy with Ashwin's decision to retire in the middle of a series, he also wished him success in his career. He also added that Ashwin has carried the legacy of Indian bowling with his performances.
“If that's his decision, I'd just like to tell him that he's had a fantastic career, he's taken a lot of wickets and won a lot of matches and series for the country. He carried forward the legacy of India's backbone. Another great career he's had comes to an end today and I wish him the best of luck in whatever he does next,” added the 44-year-old.
Both Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin have also played a few matches together in different formats. Both were part of India's 2011 ODI World Cup winning team. At a time when Ashwin was starting to emerge as India's best spinner, Harbhajan was in the twilight of his career.
Ravichandran Ashwin's incredible records
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin has had a great international career overall. While he has impressive records in every format, Test cricket has been by far his favorite as his records speak for themselves.
He finishes as the seventh leading wicket-taker in Test cricket and India's second by the season Anil Kumble. Ashwin has the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket (37) and also has the most Player of the Series awards.
Not only with the ball, R Ashwin has also made significant contributions with the bat. Over the years, it has been part of many important partnerships for India. Batting in the lower order, he played vital shots under pressure and bailed India out of trouble with his brilliant batting skills.