Legendary India player 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 the Gabba.
Like everyone, Harbhajan was also surprised by Ashwin’s decision and believes he could have played for a few more years. With the upcoming Tests being played in Melbourne and Sydney, where the pitch helps the spinners at some point, Ashwin could have been in line to play.
Also read: ‘One of the best bowlers in the world’: Lyon, Cummins and Starc pay tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin
Harbhajan Singh questions Ravichandran Ashwin’s ‘thought process’
While speaking to broadcaster Star Sports after the match, Harbhajan Singh questioned Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire in the middle of a series. The former India player feels Ashwin could have got a game or two in the remaining Test series.
“It was a bit of a shock to me when I heard that, because retiring while the series is ongoing is beyond my comprehension. He could have had the opportunity to play in Melbourne and Sydney, and recently he played in Adelaide as well. So I don’t know. .know what the rush was and what the thought process would have been behind this withdrawal,” Harbhajan said.
R Ashwin has played only one game of 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 that helped the fast bowlers and offered almost no help to the spinners.
Ashwin was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja in the next Test in Brisbane. Harbhajan Singh further added that a player finds it difficult to stay in the team when he is dropped despite being the highest wicket-taker.
“It is a very difficult decision. When a bowler who has taken a lot of wickets goes abroad for a tour like Australia, England or South Africa, where you would play with just a spinner, it hurts you not to be selected despite taking the most wickets. then you probably feel it’s not right to stay there,” Harbhajan said.
Harbhajan Singh congratulates Ravichandran Ashwin
While Harbhajan was not happy with Ashwin’s decision to retire in the middle of a series, he also wished him good luck in his career. He also added that Ashwin has carried forward the legacy of Indian spin bowling with his performances.
“If this is your decision, I would just like to tell you that you have had a fantastic career, you have taken a lot of wickets and you have won a lot of matches and series for the country. You have taken India’s legacy forward. You have had another great career.” ends today and I wish him the best in everything he does in the future,” the 44-year-old added.
Both Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin have also played a few matches together across formats. Both were part of India’s ODI World Cup-winning team in 2011. At a time when Ashwin was beginning to emerge as India’s best player, Harbhajan was in 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 all formats, Test cricket was by far his favourite, 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 most Player of the Series awards.
Not just with the ball, R Ashwin also made important contributions with the bat. 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 got India out of trouble with his brilliant batting skills.
