Rain stole the spotlight on the last day of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match between India and Australia in Brisbane. Both teams ended up with a draw, but the real story shifted to Ravichandran Ashwin afterward. To everyone's surprise, the veteran spinner showed up at the post-match press conference alongside captain Rohit Sharma. Then, in a shocking twist, the 38-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket.

This news caught everyone off guard, especially since India was on tour in Australia and Ashwin had been chosen over other players. However, things haven't been smooth sailing for him in the Indian squad. He was reportedly upset after being left out of the first Test in Perth and only made his way back into the lineup for the Adelaide match because Rohit Sharma returned.

He got left out again for the third Test match and chose to hang up his boots from international cricket before the last two games. Indian cricket legend Kapil shared his disappointment about how Ashwin's retirement went down at a private event, saying the spinner deserved a more fitting send-off since he’s up there with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar in terms of legendary status.

A former CSK player shares thoughts on R Ashwin's retirement.

Subramaniam Badrinath, a former CSK player, shared his thoughts on Ashwin's retirement. As a past teammate of Ashwin, the 44-year-old echoed Dev's sentiments and discussed the effect of Washington Sundar being included in the playing XI. In a chat with Star Sports Tamil, he expressed his surprise, saying, “I’m really shocked. Honestly, he didn’t get the fair tratment he deserved. Rohit Sharma mentioned wanting to leave after the Perth Test match, especially when Washington Sundar was picked over him. That clearly shows he wasn’t happy.”

“Honestly, I’m saying this—it’s a huge deal for a cricketer from Tamil Nadu. There are plenty of reasons for that. Players from certain other states seem to get more opportunities. Yet, despite all these challenges, Ashwin managed to take over 500 wickets and became a true legend.”

Just think about everything he’s been through. I’m aware he’s dealt with a lot. There have been plenty of times when people tried to push him aside. Yet, he always rises up again, just like a phoenix,” he mentioned.

Ashwin was a key player in the Indian squad that clinched the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He also snagged the ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year awards in 2016. in 2016.

Read Also: Ravi Shastri shares what set Ravichandran Ashwin apart, saying it didn't matter to him who he was bowling to.

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