Legendary Indian pacer 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.
Just like everyone, Harbhajan was also shocked by Ashwin’s decision and believes he could have played for many more years. With the upcoming Tests in Melbourne and Sydney where the pitch will help the spinners at some point, Ashwin might be in line to play.
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 midway through the series. The former Indian pacer feels that Ashwin could have gotten a game or two in the remaining Tests of the series.
“It was a bit of a shock to me when I heard that because retiring while the series is going on is beyond my understanding. He’s probably got the chance to play in Melbourne and Sydney, and he recently played in Adelaide as well. So I’m not doing that.” “I know what the rush is and what the thought process is behind this retirement,” Harbhajan said.
R Ashwin played only one game in this series which was the second Test in Adelaide. It was a day-night Test played with the pink ball. He returned numbers 1 to 53 on the pitch to help the fast bowlers and provided almost no help to the spinners.
Ashwin was dropped for Ravindra Jadeja in the next Test in Brisbane. Harbhajan Singh also 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 abroad for a tour like Australia, England or South Africa, where you will only play one spinner, it hurts when you are not picked despite taking the most wickets.” Harbhajan noted that she would probably feel it was not right to stay there.
Harbhajan Singh congratulates Ravichandran Ashwin
While Harbhajan was not happy with Ashwin’s decision to retire midway through the series, he also wished him good luck in his career. He also added that Ashwin carried the Indian bowling legacy forward with his performance.
“If that was his decision, I would just tell him that he had a great career, took a lot of wickets, won a lot of matches and series for the country. He took India’s legacy forward. It’s been another great career,” the 44-year-old added. “The day is over and I wish him success in everything he does in the future.”
Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin also played a few matches together across formats. Both were part of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup winning squad. At the time when Ashwin was starting to emerge as India’s best spinner, Harbhajan was at the twilight of his career.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s amazing records
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin has had a great international career overall. Although he has great records in all formats, Test cricket was by far his favorite as his records speak.
He is the seventh highest wicket-taker in Test cricket and second in India after the great Anil Kumble. Ashwin has the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket (37) and has also won the most series awards.
Not just with the ball, R Ashwin made significant contributions with the bat as well. It has been part of many important partnerships for India over the years. Batting in the lower order, he played vital knocks under pressure and saved India from trouble with his brilliant batting skills.
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