"Rohit Sharma-Gautam Gambhir knew in advance about Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement"- Report sends shockwaves

Team India veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement surprised most of his teammates, including Virat Kohli and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. However, captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir were reportedly the only ones aware of Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement plans.

Ashwin's retirement from international cricket may have seemed sudden, but signs had been apparent in recent years. The 38-year-old is still the top Test spinner from India. However, the Indian team management's doubts about his overseas performances influenced his decision to make up his mind.

When You Told Me Today You’re Retiring, It Made Me a Bit Emotional – Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma revealed he had known about Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement plans from the time he landed in Perth. The Indian skipper said that he even convinced Ashwin to play the Adelaide Test. Ashwin was included in the Adelaide Test, where he recorded scores of 22 and 7 and took one wicket.

In most situations, the retirement decision would be shared with team management and players in advance. However, Virat Kohli, the captain under whom Ashwin achieved most of his success, was not informed by the spinner. The BCCI selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, was also not informed by him.

Virat Kohli revealed that he only learned of Ashwin's decision during the rain break on Day 5 of the Brisbane Test. "I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me," Kohli said.

Ashwin's Retirement Came as a Shock to India Team, Except for Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir

A senior BCCI source emphasized that Ashwin, as a legend of Indian cricket, had the right to make his own decision. Within the team, only captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir were aware of his plans, while the rest of the squad was shocked by the announcement.

"There was no nudge from the selection committee. Ashwin is a legend in Indian cricket and he has the right to take his own call," a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"Within the team, except for skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir, the decision came as a shock for the rest," reported The Indian Express.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Play for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 Season

Ravichandran Ashwin had an underwhelming performance against New Zealand, taking just nine wickets in three Tests, while Washington Sundar picked up 12 wickets in two games. Sundar's stronger performance made Ashwin reconsider his future.

Ashwin has 11 Player of the Series awards and is the second-fastest to 500 Test wickets. Over his career, Ashwin played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, taking 765 wickets across all formats. He will play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.

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