Ravichandran Ashwin’s shock retirement from international cricket has created a lot of buzz among the cricket fraternity, with many debating the timing of his decision. He announced his retirement from international cricket just after the Gabba Test ended in a draw.

The player’s sudden exit after the third Test match between India and Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane has divided opinions, with some former cricketers questioning why he did not wait for the conclusion of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Basit Ali feels Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire ‘mysterious’

Ashwin, who bid farewell to his stellar 14-year career, returned home on the same day he ended his international career. The star all-rounder landed back in Chennai a few hours later on Thursday, December 19, leading to many surprises.

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Adding fuel to the fire, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed his disappointment at the timing of the announcement as he suggested that Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire was premature. He sensed that something was not right in the Indian dressing room.

The former Pakistan coach also believes that if Virat Kohli had captained the Indian team, he would have convinced Ashwin to postpone his announcement till the end of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, especially with two crucial Tests still left in Australia. .

If Virat Kohli was captain, he wouldn’t have let Ashwin retire: Basit Ali

Furthermore, Basit Ali also stated that if Rahul Dravid or Ravi Shastri were there as head coach, they would have urged the legendary spinner to wait and finish the Australia Test series, especially now that India still has a chance to retain the Border Trophy. Gavaskar. .

With the ongoing five-match Test series level at 1-1 and key matches scheduled in Melbourne and Sydney, Basit criticized current Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma for not convincing Ashwin not to retire. at least at the end of BGT 2024-25.

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Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “I guarantee you that if Virat Kohli was the captain, he would not have let Ashwin retire and would have told him to announce it after two matches. Because? Because India will need it in Sydney. If Rahul Dravid or Ravi Shastri were India’s coach, they would not have let Ashwin retire at this point either. It’s bad that Rohit and Gambhir couldn’t convince him and say, ‘Not right now; “In these two test matches we need you, especially in Sydney.”

Body language says it all: Basit Ali

The former Pakistani cricketer feels there is something mysterious about the decision and says Ravichandran Ashwin’s body language spoke volumes. He pointed out that Ashwin’s hug with Virat Kohli in the dressing room said it all.

However, Basit admitted that Ashwin may no longer be at his best but believes he is still a valuable bowler and should not be under pressure to retire. He also mentioned Ashwin’s record of being the second highest wicket-taker in Tests.

Basit signed off saying, “There are some things you can’t say but you still understand them. Body language says it all; the way he (Ravichandran Ashwin) hugged Virat Kohli (in the locker room). I agree he is not the same bowler, but it is not so bad that you put him under so much pressure… 537 (Test) wickets is a lot.”