Ravi Ashwin’s dad hints at ‘humiliation’ behind shock retirement call

Ravi Ashwin’s dad has made a shock claim as speculation continues to swirl over the Indian cricket legend’s sudden retirement.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s dad has cryptically hinted “humiliation” may have been behind the Indian spinner’s surprise decision to retire midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Ashwin, 38, took the cricket world by surprise when he announced he was retiring from all formats of international cricket, effective immediately, following the drawn third Test against Australia at the Gabba.

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The timing of Ashwin’s retirement, with two Tests remaining in Melbourne and Sydney, on pitches that traditionally suit his bowling, raised eyebrows.

It was reported on Thursday Ashwin had told Indian team management he would only tour Australia if he was assured a place in the team’s XI.

Indian coach Gautam Gambhir picked Washington Sundar in the series opener in Perth, before Ashwin played as the spinner in Adelaide only to be replaced by fellow veteran Ravindra Jadeja for the third Test.

Now Ashwin’s father has conceded his retirement even took him by surprise, hinting Ashwin wanted to go out on his terms instead of being dropped.

“I too came to know last minute, actually. What was going on in his mind, I don’t know,” Ravichandran Ashwin Senior told CNN News18.

Ravi Ashwin’s retirement surprised the cricket world. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)

“He just announced. I too, accepted it with full pleasure. I did not have any feelings at all about that. But the way he gave his retirement, one part I was very happy, another part not happy because he should have continued.

“(Retiring) is his wish and desire, I cannot interfere in that, but the way in which he gave that, there could be many reasons. Only Ashwin knows, maybe humiliation.”

Ashwin himself responded to his dad’s comments on X.

“My dad isn’t media trained. I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of “dad statements”. Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone,” he wrote.

Ashwin announced his retirement in a snap press conference following the third Test, which you can watch in the video above.

The 38-year-old retired with 537 Test wickets to his name from 106 matches at an average of 24.00.

Ashwin is seventh on the list of all-time Test wicket takers and the second Indian bowler behind legspinner Anil Kumble, who took 619 scalps.

He also scored six Test centuries and terrorised Australia’s batters on countless occasions and is a key reason why the Aussies haven’t held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014-15.

Ravi Ashwin (right) announced his retirement after the Gabba Test. Photo: Fox Cricket.

Brett Lee said on Fox Cricket: “It’s disappointing for world cricket because I still believe he’s got a lot to offer.

“But with him being left out of this match, was that the definitive moment where he thought, ‘I’m going to go out on my terms’.”

Indian captain Rohit Sharma said: “When I arrived in Perth, this was a chat we had, and I somehow convinced him to stay for that pink-ball Test match. Then after that, it just happened,”

“He felt that if I am not needed right now in the series, I am better off saying goodbye to the game.”

A Press Trust of India report said: “It is understood that retirement had been on Ashwin’s mind following India’s shocking 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand. The legendary off-spinner had conveyed to the team management that he would not travel to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy unless guaranteed a spot in the playing XI.

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“India’s decision to play Washington Sundar ahead of Ashwin in the Perth Test seemed to be the tipping point. Although Ashwin returned for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide at Rohit Sharma’s insistence, Ravindra Jadeja was preferred for the subsequent Brisbane Test. As Rohit stated after the drawn third Test in Gabba, the squad’s composition for the final matches in Melbourne and Sydney remained uncertain.

Ashwin is one of India’s greatest ever players. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“The decision to omit Ashwin for Washington Sundar in Perth appeared to have been taken in Rohit’s absence, with coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly having a significant say. By the time Rohit linked up with the team, he had to persuade Ashwin to play in Adelaide.”

Ashwin told no one but Rohit is his retirement plans, according to a report in the Hindustan Times, citing “management’s lack of faith in Ashwin’s overseas performances”. He did, however, share an emotional hug with Virat Kohli just before his announcement.

India’s Test team is going through a period of transition. Kohli, 36, Rohit, 37, and Jadeja, 37, are all in the twilight of their Test careers.

Veteran batters Ajinkya Rahane and Chesteshwar Pujara, both aged 36, were not selected for the tour Australia after playing a key role in the previous two series wins in Australia.

— With Foxsports.com.au