Surinder Khanna Exclusive: Ashwin Deserved Farewell Test, This is no Way to go - Says Former Indian Wicketkeeper

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R. Ashwin has returned to Chennai from Brisbane after retirement, but the chatter around him refuses to die down. So profound has been the impact after he said goodbye just after the third Test of the BGT Series, former cricketers are still in awe and admiration.

Former India wicket-keeper Surinder Khanna strongly feels Ashwin deserved a good farewell. In an exclusive interview with MyKhel on Thursday, Khanna said: "For all that Ashwin has done for Indian cricket, he deserved a farewell match. The BCCI had arranged a two-Test farewell series for Sachin Tendulkar, so something could have been done."

Asked to elaborate, Khanna praised Ashwin for his skills as a quality off-spinner across all formats. "He is the last of the classical spinners India ever had. I mean, captain Rohit Sharma should have sat down with him and told him he will get a farewell in Sydney, that would have been so thoughtful. It is sad Ashwin walked away like this, he deserved more for being such a fantastic servant of the game," added Khanna.

The way Ashwin has got rave reviews from experts and social media cricket freaks, he will continue to grab headlines for more time. But then, there are also doubts which have crept in why Ashwin wanted to leave without the BGT series being completed.

"I would have been most happy if they had even arranged a one-off Test match for Ashwin in Chennai at the Chepauk, a fitting gesture befitting his stature," said Khanna, an old-timer who had shone for India in the Asia Cup almost four decades back.

He had also been an active first-class cricketer for Delhi with good records. Probed further on spinners, Khanna, who also has coaching centres and is a sharp expert on radio and TV said:

"Classical spinners are gone. Even Ashwin had to make changes. He is not the same Ashwin we saw when he burst onto the scene. Having said that, Ashwin innovated and tried different things effectively."

In his view, classical spin is about flight, loop and beating the batters. "Yes, too much of T20 cricket sees spinners bowling flat, nobody wants to be hit for runs. India has produced so many stylish spinners who could outfox batsmen with flight, now it's almost dead," said Khanna.

He feels unless first class cricket is encouraged further, there will be no old-style spinners. "I was lucky I saw so many top spinners in my career. In T20 cricket, how much risk will a bowler take with just four overs to prove himself. Economy and bowling flat are the trends these days. I would think, even those who bowl in ODIs have more chance to bowl better quality spin. Ashwin had adapted to all forms of cricket and you will not find someone like him again," Surinder Khanna insisted.

Sounding wistful as he comes from the old school, Khanna says the game is changing fast. "For me, the last of the most stylish classic spinners before this was Siva (L.Sivaramakrishnan). I am hoping I am proved wrong and I can get to again see some Indian spinner produce flight and note afraid of getting hit. Mazaaa aata thaa," concluded Khanna.