BGT 2024-25: Rohit Sharma reveals efforts to convince Ashwin to stay for pink-ball test
Xtra Time Web Desk: India captain Rohit Sharma opened up about Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement and revealed that he had urged the veteran spinner to stay on for the upcoming pink-ball Test. Ashwin, who played in Adelaide, was not included in the playing XI for the matches in Perth and Brisbane during the ongoing series.
The 37-year-old allrounder made his retirement official during the post-match press conference following the Gabba Test, marking the end of his illustrious international career. Speaking about the decision, Rohit shared that Ashwin’s retirement plans had been in motion since the team’s arrival in Perth.
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“I heard R Ashwin’s retirement when I came to Perth. I was not there for the first few days of the Test. This was in his mind since then. There are obviously a lot of things that went behind it. Ashwin, when he is in position, will be able to answer that. He understands the kind of combinations we are thinking,” Rohit said during a press interaction.
Rohit elaborated on Ashwin’s mindset and the rationale behind his call to step away. The skipper added that while Ashwin understood the team’s strategies and selections, his decision came down to feeling surplus to requirements.
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“When we came here as well, we were not sure which spinner was going to play. We just wanted to assess and see what kind of conditions we get in front of us. But yeah, when I arrived in Perth, we had a chat and somehow convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test match. It happened so that he felt 'if I am not needed right now in the series, then I am better off saying goodbye to the game,’” Rohit explained.
Rohit emphasized that Ashwin’s choice deserves respect, adding, “Keeping Ashwin in mind, if this is what he thinks, we should allow him to think that way. We should all standby his call. That is what I am thinking right now, and that's the same mindset of Gautam Gambhir as well.”
The Indian skipper confirmed that Ashwin will leave the squad and return home on December 19.
