“I also saw a tinge of hurt on his face” - India’s World Cup-winning captain opens up on R Ashwin’s retirement after BGT 2024-25 3rd Test

Former India captain Kapil Dev has expressed surprise at veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement after the Brisbane Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket in a press conference after the third Test ended in a draw, with the series level at 1-1 and two Tests remaining.

The 38-year-old finished as the seventh leading wicket-taker in Test history with 537 scalps at an average of 24 in 106 outings. Ashwin also finished as India's second-highest wicket-taker (765) across formats, only behind Anil Kumble.

Speaking to the PTI about Ashwin's retirement, Kapil Dev said (as quoted by The Indian Express):

"I was shocked by how one of India’s greatest cricketers chose to leave the game. The disappointment among the fans was widespread, but I also saw a tinge of hurt on his face. He looked unhappy, and that was sad. He deserved much better, a fitting farewell."

He added:

"He could have waited and announced his retirement on Indian soil, but I don’t know why Ashwin called it a day. I would want to hear his side of the story. Give him that respect. He has played 106 Tests for the country. I don’t think anyone can match his humongous contribution to Indian cricket."

Ashwin was coming off a poor home Test series against New Zealand and sat out the first and third Tests of the ongoing Australia series in favor of Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, respectively.

He hasn't played white-ball cricket for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup at home.

"He was ready to experiment, and that is what set him apart" - Kapil Dev on R Ashwin

India v Bangladesh - 2nd Test - Source: Getty

Kapil Dev hailed Ravichandran Ashwin's stellar career, calling his ability to experiment and bowl at all stages of a game his standout quality.

Apart from his incredible bowling numbers, Ashwin scored six Test centuries lower down the order for India.

"I’m sure the parent body of cricket in India, BCCI, shall plan a grand farewell for this giant match-winner of Team India. He was ready to experiment, and that is what set him apart. In a game where the batters get the most accolades, Ashwin stood out with his prowess," Kapil said in the same interview.

He concluded:

"Ashwin was brave. He could bowl at any stage of the contest. Do you find bowlers with such tremendous tactical sense who can adapt quickly? He was his captain’s go-to man."

Ashwin played a massive role in India's triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup at home and the 2013 Champions Trophy in England.

His 37 Test five-wicket hauls are the most by an Indian cricketer and his 11 Player of the Series awards in Tests are the joint-most all-time with Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka.