R Ashwin shocked the cricketing world as he announced his decision to retire from international in the middle of the recent BGT 2024 Test series between India and Australia. Ashwin played only one Test in the series, in Adelaide, and after that, he announced his retirement.
The surprise nature of the decision sparked numerous ideas about the cause for Ashwin's departure and former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin believes there is more to come. R Ashwin was not picked for the first Test in Perth, with Washington Sundar preferred over him.
Haddin described the incident as "funny," claiming that Ashwin was disgruntled about being benched for the Perth Test and thought enough was enough when he was also left out of the playing eleven in Brisbane.
Haddin also believed India lacked a good plan, as evidenced by their selection of three different spinners in the first three Border Gavaskar Trophy Tests, which Australia eventually won 3-1.
"The first three Test matches, they played three different spinners. So they arrived not knowing what their game style is going to be around here. It shouldn't be a shock when you get here; they have played here enough, they have had success here. So Ashwin retiring mid-series was a funny one. I don't think we've heard the last of that yet. I think he was just jack of not getting picked," Haddin said on 'Willow Talk' podcast.
India won the first Test in Perth, and it remained their lone victory in the series. They lost the pink ball test in Adelaide, the Boxing Day match in Melbourne, and the New Year's Test in Sydney. The third Test in Brisbane was marred by rain and ended in a draw.
"I think he (Ashwin) sees himself as the number one spinner. His record is elite, and he just went, 'You know what, I'm not sitting on the bench. If you can't decide that I'm your best spinner, I'm done. I've played enough. I don't need this,” Haddin stated.
R Ashwin retired with 537 wickets in 106 Tests. He also featured in 116 ODIs and took 156 wickets. He played 65 T20Is, taking 72 wickets.
