"Beyond my understanding...": Harbhajan Singh attacks Ravichandran Ashwin even after retirement

Legendary India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has questioned the thought process of Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket after the conclusion of the third Test between Australia and India at Gabba.

Just like everyone, Harbhajan too was shocked at Ashwin's decision and believes that he could have played for some more years. With the upcoming Tests to be played in Melbourne and Sydney where the pitch assists spinners at some time, Ashwin might have been in line to play.

Also read: "One of the world’s best spin bowlers" - Lyon, Cummins, Starc pay heartfelt tributes to Ravichandran Ashwin

Harbhajan Singh questions Ravichandran Ashwin's "thought process"

While speaking to the broadcaster Star Sports after the match, Harbhajan Singh questioned Ravichandran Ashwin's decision to retire in the middle of a series. The former India off-spinner feels that Ashwin could have got a game or two in the remaining Tests of the series.

"It was slightly shocking for me when I heard that because retiring when the series is ongoing is beyond my understanding. He might have got a chance to play in Melbourne and Sydney, and he recently played in Adelaide as well. So I don't know what the hurry was and what would have been the thought process behind this retirement," Harbhajan said.

R Ashwin has played just one game this series which was the second Test in Adelaide. It was a day-night Test played with the pink ball. He returned figures of 1-53 on a pitch assisting fast bowlers and offering almost no help for the spinners.

Ashwin was dropped for Ravindra Jadeja in the next Test in Brisbane. Harbhajan Singh further added that it becomes difficult for a player to stay in the team when he is dropped despite being the highest wicket-taker.

"It's a very difficult decision. When a bowler who has taken a lot of wickets goes overseas for a tour like Australia, England or South Africa, where you would play only one spinner, it hurts you when you are not selected despite taking the most wickets. Then you probably feel it's not right to stay there," Harbhajan noted.

Harbhajan Singh congratulates Ravichandran Ashwin

While Harbhajan was unhappy with Ashwin's decision to retire in the middle of a series, he also wished him good luck on his career. He also added that Ashwin has carried the legacy of India's spin bowling forward with his performances.

"If this is his decision, I would only like to tell him that he has had a fantastic career, taken a lot of wickets, and won many matches and series for the country. He has taken India's spin legacy forward. Another great career has come to an end today and I wish him well for whatever he does going forward," the 44-year-old added.

Both Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin have also played a few matches together across formats. Both of them were famously a part of India's 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad. At a time when Ashwin was starting to emerge as India's top spinner, Harbhajan was at the twilight of his career.

Ravichandran Ashwin's incredible records

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin had a great international career overall. While he has impressive records in every format, Test cricket was by far his favorite as his records speak.

He finishes as the seventh leading wicket-taker in Test cricket and India's second after the great Anil Kumble. Ashwin has the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket (37) and also has the joint-most Player of the Series awards.

Not only with the ball, R Ashwin made significant contributions with the bat as well. He has been a part of numerous important partnerships for India over the years. Batting in the lower order, he has played vital knocks under pressure and bailed India out of trouble with his brilliant batting skills.