"Ravichandran Ashwin decided to go on his own terms" - Aakash Chopra on off-spinner retiring after BGT 2024-25 3rd Test

Aakash Chopra has noted that Ravichandran Ashwin decided to retire from international cricket when he was virtually at the top of his game. He pointed out that fans believe the wily off-spinner could have played for a little longer.

The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 between India and Australia ended in a draw in Brisbane on Wednesday, December 18. In the post-match press conference, Ashwin, who wasn't a part of India's playing XI, announced his retirement from international cricket.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra', the former India opener noted that Ashwin retired on his terms.

"He recently scored a hundred against Bangladesh. India were 144/6. It was probably the best century of his career. So he has actually said goodbye when everyone is saying he could have stayed back. Only the New Zealand series was not good," he said (11:05).

"It's paramount that you leave when people ask why are you leaving. He did not go when people were asking when are you going. Ravichandran Ashwin decided to go on his own terms. He has been absolutely outstanding," Chopra added.

Chopra pointed out that Ashwin's passion for cricket is unparalleled. While expecting the 38-year-old to remain associated with the game in multiple capacities, the cricketer-turned-commentator added that Indian cricket is blessed to have him as one of its icons.

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"One is his intelligence" - Aakash Chopra on the attributes that make Ravichandran Ashwin special

Ravichandran Ashwin picked up 537 wickets at an average of 24.00 in 106 Tests. [P/C: Getty]

In the same video, Aakash Chopra picked Ravichandran Ashwin's intelligence as one of the attributes that make him special.

"There are two or three huge aspects that make Ravichandran Ashwin very special. One is his intelligence. When the ball used to get released from his hand, it seemed like he was setting a trap. This is Test cricket's biggest beauty, that you lay a trap, and the batters used to get trapped despite knowing everything," he said.

The analyst added that the Tamil Nadu spinner's patience is another of his great virtues.

"He had variation in flight and speed but along with that consistency. Very few people talk about patience for bowlers. We generally ask batters to have patience, to play like (Cheteshwar) Pujara, (KL) Rahul or Rahul Dravid, but the spinner has to create boredom by bowling at one spot repeatedly. He has bored people out," Chopra elaborated.

Chopra noted that Ashwin's adaptation to a new challenge defines him. He added that the off-spinner wanted to improvise and improve all the time, highlighting that he developed the carrom ball, top-spinner, and even leg spin when the Doosra was not allowed.