Ashwin - Retired Hurt?

Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement has sent shockwaves through Indian cricket. While his eventual retirement was anticipated, it was widely expected he would continue playing for at least another year. Many feel the BCCI failed to give him the farewell he deserved.

A persistent myth has surrounded Ashwin's career: the false notion that he underperforms and takes fewer wickets overseas compared to India. This criticism is particularly ironic given the inconsistent performances of several current Indian batsmen who consistently retain their places despite poor form. In contrast, Ashwin, arguably the world's best spinner, has constantly faced scrutiny.

A comparison highlights this disparity: over a five-year period, while Virat Kohli averaged 32 with the bat, Ashwin averaged 21.09. His bowling strike rate of 20.89 further emphasizes his value as a bowling all-rounder, consistently maintaining a batting average close to or above his bowling average. This consistency over 106 Tests and a 14-year career (averaging 25.8 with the bat and 23.9 with the ball) solidifies his status as a genuine all-rounder. Yet, he has been repeatedly dropped, even in England, despite a respectable bowling average of 28. This raises the question: why wasn't he considered for the England tour in June 2025? This becomes even more perplexing when comparing his record to other spinners in England: Ravindra Jadeja averages 43.5, Anil Kumble 41, and the famed spin trio of Bedi, Chandrasekhar, and Prasanna averaged 38, 34, and 58 respectively.

The same leniency afforded to batsmen is not extended to bowlers. It's almost unthinkable to exclude the world's number one Test bowler from a Test Championship final, yet Ashwin endured such humiliations. He consistently responded with grace and strong performances. He continually reinvented his bowling, surprising critics and showcasing his intelligence and passion for the game. It's unfortunate that bowlers are rarely considered for captaincy, with the BCCI seemingly prioritizing celebrity status over cricketing acumen.

Ashwin is not only one of India's greatest match-winners but also arguably the most impactful Test cricketer of all time. As early as January 2017, using impact index analysis, he was identified as such. During that period, he averaged 35 with the bat and 25 with the ball over 44 Tests. His influence on series results is even more telling: seven Man of the Series awards in 14 series. Even with a declining impact index since 2018, his overall impact remains unmatched, surpassing even players like Ben Stokes.

Ashwin's abrupt departure is disheartening. This doesn't appear to be a planned retirement; players don't typically leave mid-series. It was expected he would play in Melbourne and Sydney, especially considering his crucial five-wicket haul in Melbourne during India's memorable 2020/21 victory. While the reasons behind his exit remain unclear, cricket has undoubtedly lost a great player, a fierce competitor, and a true gentleman.

Now, we all expect Ashwin to guide the TNCA to win Ranji Trophy. TNCA did that long ago when S Vasudevan led the team. TNCA had all the competency but they always failed to raise to occasion. Let us hope he builds a better TNCA with his intelligence and cricketing brain. 

Ashwin deserved a farewell befitting his legendary status, perhaps even surpassing those given to icons like Tendulkar and Kumble. The fact that he didn't receive such recognition is a significant failure of Indian cricket. It's a true shame.