Ashwin called time on his international cricket career earlier this week.
In a video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Kaif said: "In 2020, Ashwin was in great form with the white ball. His new-ball bowling helped us get wickets in the power play. Fast forward to 2021 - the T20 World Cup was in November. There was also an IPL before that, which was in Dubai."
During a net session, Ashwin unexpectedly paused his spell. Kaif, curious about the break, asked, “Ashwin, why aren’t you bowling?” To which, the legendary off-spinner replied: “I won’t bowl.”
Kaif stated, “Ashwin notices every little detail in the game. He pointed out that Steve Smith had a camera fixed to his helmet. Smith was using the camera to record their bowling - Ashwin, Axar, and others. Ashwin immediately realised what was happening. He said, ‘This guy is recording us. I won’t bowl now.’”
Realizing that the recordings could be used to analyse his techniques ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, Ashwin stopped bowling and also persuaded Axar Patel and Amit Mishra to do the same.
“None of them bowled. Ashwin was sharp; he caught that the camera was there to record bowling techniques for analysis,” Kaif said.
Kaif was noticing things from the sidelines and he was in awe of Ashwin’s tactical acumen. “I couldn’t believe the presence of mind Ashwin had. That day, he showed why he’s considered one of cricket’s sharpest minds.”
Ashwin called time on his international cricket career earlier this week. He confirmed his retirement decision during a press conference at the Gabba, where the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test ended in a draw.
Ashwin represented India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, picking up 765 wickets across all formats. He finished his career as the country’s second highest wicket-taker (537 scalps) in Test cricket, only behind Anil Kumble’s record tally of 619 dismissals.