R Ashwin has lauded Scott Boland as the game-changer for the Australian team, saying that had the pacer not played, India would’ve won the Sydney Test and perhaps leveled the BGT 2024-25 series. In reality, Australia won the Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney Tests to win the five-Test series 3-1 against India and regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Discussing the series on his YouTube channel, Ashwin praised its competitiveness and highlighted the intense battle that stretched until the last session of the final Test in Sydney.

"The series was on the line till the last session in Sydney. What a great series it was. As pure cricket, it was a class series, outstanding. Australia won the series after a tough fight till the last day," Ashwin said.

Ashwin revealed what he felt to be the turning point, citing Scott Boland's sudden participation owing to Josh Hazlewood's injury as a stroke of luck for the hosts.

"All said that Pat Cummins had a great series, but he struggled against left-handers. Australia was lucky that Scott Boland came into the team. If Boland hadn't played, India would have won the series," Ashwin asserted.

He elaborated on Boland's impact, particularly against India's left-handers.

"No offence to Josh Hazlewood; he's a fantastic bowler. But if they had continued with the same attack, we would have won. Boland's round-the-wicket deliveries to our left-handers were a major factor," he said.

Ashwin also spoke about his stunning retirement declaration during the third Test in Brisbane, which marked the end of his brilliant international career. Despite the lack of a final game, Ashwin had no regrets.

"A farewell game wasn't something I desired or deemed necessary. I stepped away because I felt my time was up," he explained.