Delhi: India’s star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket after the Gabba Test. 38-year-old Ashwin made this announcement after the third Test match against Australia, which ended in a draw. On this occasion, team captain Rohit Sharma was also present with him in the press conference. Rohit looked very emotional on Ashwin’s announcement and described Ashwin as the biggest “match-winner” of Indian cricket.
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‘Persuaded to play pink ball test’
The Indian captain told that he had convinced Ashwin to play the pink ball test, because Ashwin had already decided that he would retire. Rohit said, “Ashwin had taken this decision when we reached Perth. I was not with the team for the first three-four days at that time, but when I talked to him, he clearly told that he had taken this decision after careful consideration.”
He further said, “In this series, we had also thought about which spinner should be played according to the pitch and conditions. When I reached Perth, I talked to Ashwin and somehow convinced him to play the pink ball test.”
‘If the team is not needed, then it is the right time to say goodbye’
Rohit further said, “Ashwin felt that if the team does not need him right now, then it is the right time to say goodbye to the game. But, we have not gone to Melbourne yet, so we do not know what the conditions will be like there. “Nevertheless, respecting his thinking, we should support his decision.”
Praising Ashwin’s contribution, Rohit said, “Ashwin has been a great servant to Indian cricket. He never left any stone unturned. If he feels that now is the right time then we should respect his decision and support him.”
Watch: Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement from International Cricket
