Sunil Gavaskar has sparked a major discussion about Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement from Test cricket. Gavaskar suggested that Ashwin, one of India’s most brilliant cricketers, faced subtle pressure to step away.
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Known for his sharp cricketing brain and unmatched skills, Ashwin has always stood out. However, his outspoken nature and unique approach may not have always been appreciated by everyone in the team.
This raises questions about how such a legendary player was treated during his career. Ashwin retired after the third Test in Brisbane, leaving fans and experts shocked.
Gavaskar believes the situation surrounding his exit reflects deeper issues in Indian cricket. Let’s take a closer look at what the former captain said and what it tells us about Ashwin’s journey.
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What did Sunil Gavaskar say about Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement?
Gavaskar compared Ashwin’s retirement to the famous departure of Vijay Merchant, who retired mid-series in 1951 despite being in top form.
Merchant had said, “Retire when people ask why, rather than why not.”
Gavaskar hinted that Ashwin, too, may have felt it was better to leave on his own terms. The former captain revealed that Ashwin was often mocked by teammates who called him names like “Rocket Scientist” and “Professor.”
“By all accounts, his outspokenness in team meetings whenever strategy and tactics were discussed and which differed from what the team management wanted didn’t always make him Mr. Popular. That’s why all the nicknames like Rocket Scientist, Professor, were bestowed snidely on him by anonymous teammates who didn’t even have a fraction of his IQ.”
Gavaskar said these nicknames were not compliments but digs at Ashwin’s high cricket IQ, which was far beyond what most players could match. He also pointed out how Ashwin’s achievements, like winning Player of the Series awards, sometimes made him unpopular, especially among the batters.
“Cricket being a batter’s game,” Gavaskar said, “Ashwin didn’t always get the recognition he deserved.”
Why was Ravichandran Ashwin overlooked for leadership?
Gavaskar questioned why Ashwin was never made India’s vice-captain, let alone captain. He said Ashwin had all the qualities of a great leader but was denied the chance.
Even a token opportunity to lead in a Test or a limited-overs series was not offered. This, according to Gavaskar, shows how Ashwin’s contributions were undervalued by the team management.
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However, Gavaskar praised Rohit Sharma for letting Ashwin lead the team onto the field during his 100th Test. It was a rare moment of acknowledgment for the spinner, who has always been about winning games for India.
How did Ravichandran Ashwin win matches for India?
Ashwin’s focus was always on helping India win matches. With the ball, he trapped batters with precision and intelligence.
When needed, he batted like a top-order player, making tough situations look easy. Gavaskar compared him to Kapil Dev, saying Ashwin cared only about wins, not personal milestones.
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Despite his efforts, Ashwin often paid the price for others’ failures. Gavaskar highlighted how he was dropped from overseas matches under the excuse of team balance, even when he was the world’s top-ranked bowler.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement has left a void in Indian cricket. Sunil Gavaskar’s remarks shed light on the challenges Ashwin faced, even as he gave his best for the team.
While his journey might have been difficult, Ashwin’s brilliance will be remembered forever. Indian cricket may have lost a player, but his legacy will inspire generations.
