Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the most accomplished Test cricketers of India, has quietly stepped away from international cricket. During a brief interaction with the media in Brisbane, Ashwin casually announced that he had played his last match for India, marking the end of a remarkable career. As India’s second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, his sudden decision to retire has left many reflecting on the abrupt exits of other legends.
Ashwin’s departure has drawn comparisons to the way MS Dhoni retired from Test cricket almost a decade ago. Like Ashwin, Dhoni made his announcement unexpectedly during an Australian tour after the third Test of the series. Ravi Shastri, who was the Director of Cricket at the time, recounted Dhoni’s surprising decision to his teammates in the dressing room.
Shastri revealed that Dhoni’s announcement came without any warning. Following a drawn match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Dhoni asked Shastri for a moment to speak with the team. Shastri, expecting words of encouragement, was taken aback when Dhoni simply thanked and said that he is done with this. Dhoni then informed his teammates that he would not be playing the final Test in Sydney but pledged his full support for the team, especially with the World Cup ahead, where he continued as the captain.
According to Shastri, Dhoni’s decision was a complete surprise to everyone and no one had a clue including those teammates who had spent time with Dhoni days before the announcement. Dhoni’s quiet exit stood in stark contrast to how such milestones are typically celebrated in Indian cricket. Shastri noted that Dhoni, who had played 94 or 95 Test matches, could have made his 100th Test a grand affair, possibly in his hometown of Ranchi, where fans would have gathered in huge numbers. However, Dhoni chose a different path, saying that he wanted to pack his bags as he was done with whites.
Ashwin’s understated retirement has similarly mirrored the humility and simplicity that defined Dhoni’s exit, leaving a legacy that speaks louder than any fanfare.
