Former Indian all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri remarked that Ravichandran Ashwin would not have chosen to retire during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy had he been aware that India would field two spin-bowling all-rounders in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Ashwin, who participated in only one Test of the series, caught many off guard by announcing his retirement following the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. He expressed that he still possesses a strong passion for the game, which he intends to channel into club cricket and the Indian Premier League. Shortly thereafter, during the same press conference, Indian captain Rohit Sharma revealed that Ashwin had mentioned a potential retirement while in Perth, but he persuaded him to remain by selecting him for the day-night Test in Adelaide.

A closer examination of the situation suggests that Ashwin was seeking Rohit’s assurance regarding his inclusion in the squad for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, a commitment that the captain was unable to provide without assessing the playing conditions.

"I managed to persuade him to stay for the pink-ball Test. He then thought, 'If I'm not required in the series right now, it might be best for me to bid farewell to the sport.' Naturally, we had not yet arrived in Melbourne, so we were uncertain about the conditions we would encounter there," Rohit stated.

As events unfolded, India indeed opted for two spin-bowling options in the Boxing Day Test. Washington Sundar was selected over specialist batsman Shubman Gill, a decision that surprised numerous analysts. Sundar had been India's primary spinner in the first Test in Perth before Ashwin took his place in the day-night Test. In the third Test, India chose Ravindra Jadeja. The fourth Test at the MCG marked the first occasion of employing more than one spin-bowling option in this Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

‘Ashwin wouldn’t have retired had he known…'

Shastri expressed that he would have included Gill in the playing eleven and opted for either Sundar or Reddy.

“It is a bold decision. I would have chosen Gill. The selection between Reddy and Washington would have been challenging, but they have placed their trust in them,” Shastri remarked during the commentary. When questioned about Ashwin, the former head coach indicated that the all-rounder might not have chosen to retire had he been aware of India's position.

"If Ashwin had known that India would field two spinners, he may have reconsidered his retirement," Shastri noted.

The fourth Test in Melbourne holds significant importance for the series. With each team having secured one victory, a win in this match would provide either side with a commanding lead in the five-match series.

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