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NEW DELHI: Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement decision surprised not only fans but also his long-time teammate Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane, which ended in a rain-affected draw.
“I got to know about it at the last moment, almost five minutes before the press conference,” Jadeja revealed to reporters at the MCG.
Jadeja and Ashwin formed a formidable partnership in Tests, combining for 587 wickets across 58 matches.
“Someone told me it was about to happen. We spent the whole day together, and he didn’t even give me a hint. I got to know at the last minute. We all know how Ashwin’s mind works,” Jadeja added.
Ashwin retired with an illustrious record of 537 Test wickets at an average of 24, along with 3,503 runs, including six centuries. He also claimed 156 wickets in ODIs and 72 in T20Is.
Following Ashwin’s retirement, Jadeja expressed confidence in the team’s ability to find a replacement.
“Hopefully, the Indian team gets a better all-rounder and bowler. It’s not like nobody can replace a player. Everyone goes, but you get the replacement,” he said.
“We have to move on. We will have to move on. It is a good opportunity for youngsters to grab the opportunity.”
Speculation about Ashwin’s retirement had already begun when TV cameras captured an emotional moment of Ashwin being hugged by Virat Kohli on the dressing room balcony during the rain delay.
Ashwin’s contribution to Indian cricket extended beyond Tests.
He played 116 ODIs, taking 156 wickets, and was a crucial member of the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning teams.
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