Personal reflections and professional realities may have led to Ashwin's retirement | Opinion

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His father's comments might reflect the frustration or disappointment surrounding the timing and manner of his exit, particularly given R Ashwin's significant contributions to Indian cricket over the years.

The comparison to MS Dhoni's exit is also worth noting-Dhoni left Test cricket in 2014 after a tough series in Australia, but his retirement was framed within a larger context of his captaincy and the challenges he faced.

Ashwin's situation, especially if he's stepping away from international cricket unexpectedly, might feel abrupt, especially with India relying on him as a key spinner in a demanding format like Test cricket.

An unceremonious exit would indeed leave a sense of unfinished business for both the player and the team, especially when considering his stature in Indian cricket. However, we might need further clarity from Ashwin himself or official sources for the full context of his decision. Most certainly, there is more than what meets the eye.

Ashwin's diminishing role in the Indian Test team, particularly after a less-than-impressive series against New Zealand at home and with the rise of competitors like Washington Sundar.

The New Zealand series, where Ashwin didn't have the same impact he's known for, could have signaled a shift in both his own mindset and the selectors' approach. Sundar's emergence as a viable spinning option, especially in foreign conditions, added another layer of competition for Ashwin.

A tacit understanding between Ashwin and the team or selectors about his reduced role in Australia-seems plausible. Often, behind the scenes, players and management have candid discussions about their future with the team, especially when new talent is emerging.

Ashwin, a seasoned player, would likely have been aware of the team's direction and how his role might evolve, particularly with the advent of younger spinners like Sundar and even Axar Patel.

The Australian tour, where the team was looking at different combinations and priorities, might have been the turning point. While Ashwin still has a wealth of experience, the team's focus could have shifted to players who were seen as more adaptable to various conditions, or simply fresher faces in the squad.

If Ashwin indeed took a step back or chose to leave, it may have been due to a combination of factors: his own form, the team's changing priorities, and perhaps a recognition that his time in the international arena was winding down.

A player like Ashwin, with a legacy to protect, may have opted for a quieter exit rather than being relegated to a bench role, which can sometimes feel like an undignified end to an illustrious career.

Getting dropped for the opening Test in Perth would indeed have been a tough blow for Ashwin, a bowler with so much experience and a key figure in India's recent Test successes.

The decision to drop him from the playing XI in such a crucial away series when the Indian team was battling in tough conditions, may have made Ashwin reflect about his place in the team.

Rohit Sharma's possible awareness of Ashwin's retirement plans adds another layer of nuance to the situation. As the team captain, Rohit would likely have sensed the changes in Ashwin's mindset.

The second Test in Adelaide, where Ashwin was recalled ahead of Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, may have provided a brief opportunity for redemption. But when Ashwin was dropped again after that game, it could have signaled to him that the team was moving in a different direction, and his role was diminishing.

For a player of Ashwin's stature, constantly being dropped or relegated to the sidelines can be incredibly frustrating, especially after contributing so much to Indian cricket over the years. If Ashwin felt that his place in the team was no longer secure, or that the selectors and management were no longer fully backing him, it could very well have led him to make the decision to walk away.

Ultimately, the repeated uncertainties surrounding his selection, coupled with the rise of new faces in the team, might have made Ashwin realize that the time had come to step away from international cricket on his own terms, rather than wait for a more gradual exit.

His decision to call it quits, though sudden to some, could very well have been the culmination of a series of personal reflections and professional realities.