Was Ravichandran Ashwin being ‘humiliated’? Allegations made by star spinner’s father reveals shocking details on team management

New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin’s recent decision to take a break from international cricket may have deeper reasons than just exhaustion, according to his father. In an interview with CNN News18, Ashwin’s father expressed his concern that the constant scrutiny and criticism may have played a significant role in his son's unexpected decision to step away from the ongoing Australia tour.

Upon hearing about the choice, Ashwin’s father, much like several others, was caught off guard.

“I too came to know last minute, actually,” Ravichandran told CNN News18. “What was going on in his mind I don’t know. He just announced. I too accepted it with full pleasure. I did not have any feeling at all for that. But the way he gave his retirement, one part I was very happy, another part not happy because he should have continued.”

Ravichandran can’t quite put his finger on the exact reason why Ashwin bid farewell to international cricket. But he has hinted that perhaps Ashwin’s uncertain status on the team, notwithstanding his amazing track record, might have something to do with it. Ashwin may have found the situation quite uncomfortable.

“(Retiring) is his (Ashwin’s) wish and desire, I cannot interfere in that, but the way in which he gave that, there could be many reasons. Only Ashwin knows, maybe humiliation,” he said.

On Wednesday, Rohit Sharma, the distinguished captain of India, shared some insider’s information – the eminent cricketer, Ashwin, had been contemplating retirement. However, Sharma convinced him to hold off any decisions until they’ve played the day-night Test match against Australia in the Adelaide Oval.

Ashwin’s family was initially surprised, but they soon realized the inevitability of his retirement decision. Their understanding stemmed from the fact that enduring continuous ‘humiliation’ probably pushed the offspinner to his limits.

“Definitely, no doubt about it (being emotional for the famiky), because he was on the field for 14-15 years. The sudden change – retirement – gave us really kind of a shock. At the same time, we were expecting it because humiliation was going on. How long he can tolerate all those things? Probably, he would have decided on his own,” Ravichandran said.