Coach Gautam Gambhir played a role in R Ashwin's shocking retirement!

The atmosphere in the Indian camp was one of complete satisfaction as the players worked hard to secure a draw against Australia in the Brisbane Test. However, Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden decision to retire in the middle of the series surprised everyone. Ashwin, one of the modern greats of the game, retired from international cricket at the end of the match, leaving many questions unanswered. Ashwin joined Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the post-game press conference, but did not take any questions as he made his retirement decision public.

Although the decision certainly came as a shock to cricket fans around the world, those who watched Ashwin closely on the cricket pitch knew that all was not well. A PTI report explains the story behind Ashwin's decision to retire midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, including the role of head coach Gautam Gambhir.

R Ashwin was not willing to go to Australia if the playing eleven was not guaranteed. After India's 3-match Test series against New Zealand ended with Rohit Sharma's side suffering a 0-3 clean sweep, Ashwin started wondering what was next for him. He had even sought a guarantee from the selectors regarding the playing eleven selection on the Australia tour. Apparently he was given some guarantees while India chose Washington Sundar as the third spinner along with Ravindra Jadeja for the tour.

Ashwin got his first blow when Washington Sundar was selected in his place for the Perth Test. The selection of the spinner, despite the fact that he has a similar profile to Ashwin, seems to have been at a disadvantage to the experienced off-spinner. As a result, Ashwin wondered whether he should continue for the remainder of the series.

– Ashwin spoke about his situation with captain Rohit Sharma, where he expressed his desire to retire as the team 'did not require his services.' Rohit somehow convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test and promised him the final eleven selection, which the India captain fulfilled.

As the third Test approached, Ravindra Jadeja included Ashwin in the playing eleven, making it clear what lay ahead for the Tamil Nadu-born spinner. Ashwin already understood everything and Jadeja's selection was a definite confirmation of what the future holds for him.

– However, there is a big possibility that India may choose 2 spinners for the Sydney Test. But, Ashwin also understood that he would still not get a place in the playing eleven. Currently, he is at the third position in the pecking order, with Sundar and Jadeja being the favorite pair. As far as Ashwin's future is concerned, it was a message and a half.

– When Rohit was unavailable for the Perth Test, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed his bold decision, and said that India's No. 1-choice spinner will move forward. Ashwin came to know that it was not him.

After taking 537 Test wickets, at the age of 38, Ashwin knew he would not be able to make it through the next World Test Championship cycle, which ends in 2027. Even India is working hard to make it to the finals in the present day. Chakra, Ashwin understands how far he has fallen in the pecking order. Amidst all these changes that the Indian team is going through, what does not change is the respect, recognition and records earned by R Ashwin over the years.