Ravichandran Ashwin has finally issued a clarification on the recent controversy surrounding his retirement from the longest format of the game. He has confirmed that neither Rohit Sharma nor Gautam Gambhir has dropped him from the Indian team.
There has been a major change in India’s Test team recently, with players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announcing their retirement in quick succession. The recent first Test is India’s first home Test series without Ashwin since 2010.
Ravichandran Ashwin issues clarification on retirement call
Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from the longest format of the game has come as a surprise. Some people have claimed that Rohit Sharma wanted Ashwin to stay, which led to his rift with Gautam Gambhir.
However, according to former Indian spinner Ashwin, Gautam Gambhir is far from being a villain. He has clearly said that no one had forcibly asked him to retire and it was completely his personal decision.
Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “No one asked me to go; no one came and said we no longer have a place for you in the playing XI, so you can go. In fact, before I actually announced my decision, many people asked me to reconsider it, so I don’t think it was about that, in fact, they wanted me to play further. Both Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir wanted me to take such a big step. “Think twice about that.”
Ravichandran Ashwin said, “I may not have spoken to Ajit (Agarkar) because his position as chairman of selectors is related to team selection, whereas the decision of retirement is at the individual level.”
R Ashwin- Nobody told me that “There is no place for you in the team so you retire both Rohit and GG Bhai told me to think again” but I was told by the macrohard in India that Gautam Gambhir had removed Ravi Ashwin but Rohit Sharma wanted him in the team.
Thanks for the clarification @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/QgwnkbLHTe
– Staunch India Supporter (@KKRWeRule) 9 October 2025
Ravindra Jadeja misses Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian team.
After India’s first Test win against West Indies in Ahmedabad, Ravindra Jadeja, who scored four wickets and a century, admitted that he missed having Ashwin in the Indian spin attack. The pair were once said to be the strongest spin pair in modern-day red-ball cricket.
“Obviously, we miss him. Ash has contributed a lot to Indian cricket over the years. He has been a match-winner. Playing Tests in India without Ash, somewhere it seems that Ash will bowl now, but then realize that he is not there.”
After the initial statement was released, Ravichandran Ashwin told Jadeja not to miss him as his presence could mean less wickets for the left-arm spinner.
Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “If I had been playing, I would have taken 2-3 wickets from the wickets he took, so he should not miss me. He should take as much advantage as he can. He is becoming a great player of Test cricket, I am very happy for him.”
I know he is showing affection- R Ashwin
After the initial light-hearted exchange, Ravichandran Ashwin acknowledged the challenges that Jadeja might face now that he has no guiding head to talk to on the field.
Ravichandran Ashwin said, “After hearing his comments, I know he is showing affection, but more than anything, I don’t think he has anyone to talk to anymore. They are all new boys.”
“There used to be small talk between us and when you reach a very senior level, you have to think before making small talk with the youngsters. He might be wondering if the youngsters will judge him, but if Ash was here he would not judge. When Pujee retired, I also felt the same, we used to sit together,” Ashwin said.
Also read: Rohit Sharma vs Gautam Gambhir!! Shocking details of massive differences between the two came to light.
