Xtra Time Web Desk: Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement from international cricket on December 18 after India's Gabba Test draw shocked experts and fans. Now his childhood coach Sunil Subramaniam also opened up.

Speaking to Rediff .com, Subramanian acknowledged Ashwin’s decision but admitted he envisioned the spinner playing for at least a couple more years. He said, "I was very surprised. He could have played the World Test Championship 2025- 2027 cycle, there were quite a few home Tests, he could have called it quits after that. But he has retired now, we got to respect his decision, maybe he had his reasons,” believing he could continue more.

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He further added, "He was absolutely fearless. He always wanted to try out new things, to keep evolving, setbacks seemed to push him to do better. He has always a thinking person. He was his own man. It was his fearlessness, Ashwin was absolutely fearless. The brain would always react first, he was an intelligent cricketer, a good thinking cricketer."

He also grabbed lens for being the No. 1 in the ICC Test bowling rankings multiple times, reflecting his consistent excellence. Ashwin's illustrious journey will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.

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