The sudden retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin left one and all in shock, including former Indian spinner and chief selector Sunil Joshi. Ashwin had unexpectedly announced his retirement from international cricket right after the third Test at the Gabba, a match in which he did not feature, leaving many to wonder about the reasons behind his shocking decision.
Now reacting to the much-debated decision, Sunil Joshi admitted to being taken aback by Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement, especially as there was no clear explanation on the events that might have unfolded between the second and third Tests that forced him to take that call suddenly.
Sunil Joshi surprised by Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement, calls him a “Modern Day Legend”
However, Joshi respected Ashwin’s boldness in making such a tough decision in a short time, but he felt the need for more clarity on what led him to retire from international cricket in the middle of the high-stakes Test series in Australia, especially when India was struggling to deliver results.
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Meanwhile, the former Indian chief selector acknowledged Ravichandran Ashwin’s immense contribution to Indian cricket and called him a “modern legend.” While Sunil Joshi said that the all-rounder’s decision to retire deserved respect, he also emphasized that the Indian cricket team management, selection committee, and the BCCI should provide clarity on what led to the decision.
What transpired for Ashwin to do that?: Sunil Joshi questions BCCI and Indian cricket team management
Sunil Joshi was quoted as saying by IANS: “I also felt very surprised by that because I don’t know what transpired or prospered during or between the second and third Test matches. But it’s again Ashwin, who has been very upfront in his decisions. So, I’m not saying that it was a bad decision.”
Joshi further added, “I mean, we need to respect that, because he has been a modern legend of the game, and there’s no doubt about it. But again, what transpired for him to do that? So obviously, we’ll have to know because it was unbelievable, and the board, selection committee, and team management should answer that.”
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Following India’s embarrassing Test series loss to Australia, the fast-bowling future raises concerns due to the inexperience of pacers and an over-reliance on Jasprit Bumrah. He got injured on the Australia tour after being over bowled.
We did miss a left-arm seamer on Australia tour: Sunil Joshi
However, Sunil Joshi remains hopeful about the team’s fast-bowling prospects, but he pointed out that India missed having a left-arm pacer in their lineup in Australia. The former Indian further explained, “No, because we already have Troy Cooley; he’s been in the NCA and is looking after the fast-bowling pool. So, I don’t think there should be any worry. But definitely, we did miss a left-arm seamer in that line-up.”
Joshi signed off by saying, “If a left-arm seamer would have been there, then there would have been a little bit of change in angles because most of the Australian, English, or New Zealand batters, they are not very comfortable for the left-arm seamer because you’re taking the ball away with a different angle. We just needed variety, but fortunately or unfortunately, both the bowlers Yash Dayal and Khaleel Ahmed were there, but they couldn’t play, and that’s unfortunate.”
