Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement may be the beginning, with more seniors expected to step aside to make way for the next generation. According to Cricbuzz, the Indian Test team is set to transform preparation for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18. He did this after the rain-affected third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw. Ashwin, who featured in only one Test during the series, shared the news during the post-match conference alongside captain Rohit Sharma.
Ashwin is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 537 wickets, behind the legendary Anil Kumble. The 38-year-old is known for his match-winning performances, particularly in home Tests. He was also a dependable batter, scoring 3,503 Test runs with six centuries at an average of 25.75.
Indian Team Expected to Undergo Significant Transformation After Ravichandran Ashwin’s Retirement
Cricbuzz has reported that more senior players might retire from the format. India will begin their World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle with a five-Test series in England in 2025. The report added that many changes are expected in the Indian team for that series.
“How much of this decision is planned, voluntary, or subtly influenced is difficult to determine, but Indian team is expected to undergo a transformation soon – possibly by the start of their next Test series in England in the coming summer of 2025. As in the past, the credit or discredit will likely be linked to the Test series in Australia. Over the years, Australia tours have gained a notorious reputation for bringing cricketing careers to an agonizing end,” Cricbuzz report stated.
Directly or Indirectly Setting the Stage for a Transition In Indian Team
The report added that Ashwin’s retirement is the start of a series of similar announcements, like senior players retirements in 2008. It has been reported that transitions have been communicated, paving the way for changes in the Indian cricket team.
“It is unlikely that anyone would openly admit it was a nudge, but there is a perception that this announcement is just the first in a series expected to follow – much like in 2008 when several senior players retired in quick succession. The signals, whether conveyed directly or indirectly, seem to have been sent, setting the stage for a transition,” the report further stated.
Selectors to Appoint New Captain for England Test Series?
Ravichandran Ashwin was often benched in overseas Tests, with Ravindra Jadeja preferred. Washington Sundar was picked over both Ashwin and Jadeja in Perth. Ashwin had also been part of India’s leadership group but lost the captaincy of the team to Ajinkya Rahane, who was seen as easier to manage.
India’s chances of making it to the WTC final further diminished after the draw in Brisbane. The upcoming cycle, starting with the Test series in England, could see further changes, including a possible new captain.
Also read: “Convinced him to stay…”: Rohit Sharma reveals forcing Ravichandran Ashwin to delay retirement
