The sudden decision of Indian cricketer R Ashwin to retire from international cricket brought back memories of when MS Dhoni and Anil Kumble also announced their surprise retirements in the middle of a series against Australia. While Dhoni retired from red-ball cricket in 2014 and Kumble stepped away from the game in 2008 due to injury, Ashwin's retirement was done on his own terms. This reminds us of the challenges faced by Indian cricket in Australia and the impact of such sudden decisions on the team.
Ravichandran Ashwin's Retirement: Echoes of Dhoni and Kumble's Surprise Decisions
Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement from international cricket has sent shockwaves through the Indian cricket fraternity, echoing the surprise decisions taken by MS Dhoni and Anil Kumble in the past.
The Trend
Indian cricket has witnessed a pattern of sudden retirements from legendary players in recent years:
Challenges in Australia
All three retirements occurred during or shortly after series against Australia, a formidable opponent in their home conditions. The tough Australian pitches and hostile atmosphere can take a toll on even the most experienced players.
Impact on the Team
Sudden retirements from key players can significantly impact the team's performance and morale. These decisions leave a void in the team and can disrupt the team chemistry.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why did Ashwin retire?
Ashwin's retirement was a personal decision made after careful consideration. He cited the desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests outside of cricket.
2. How did the team react to Ashwin's decision?
The team was surprised and saddened by Ashwin's decision but respected his choice. Captain Rohit Sharma expressed gratitude for his contributions to Indian cricket.
3. Will Ashwin continue to play in the IPL?
Yes, Ashwin has announced that he will continue to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
4. Who will replace Ashwin in the Test team?
The Indian selectors are yet to announce Ashwin's replacement in the Test team, but Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are among the possible options.
5. How will Ashwin's retirement affect India's World Test Championship hopes?
Ashwin's absence will be a significant loss for India in the World Test Championship. However, the team has a strong bench of spinners who can potentially step up in his place.
Conclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement carries the weight of history, reminding us of the challenges faced by Indian cricket in Australia and the impact of sudden retirements on the team. While Ashwin's decision is a personal one, it will undoubtedly leave a mark on the Indian cricket landscape for years to come.
With just one game left in this phase, four Italian teams - Inter, Atalanta, Milan, and Juventus - are close to securing direct access to the Champions League Round of 16. The new format of the competition has made it more exciting with all the results going into a single large table. However, Juventus faces an uphill battle and needs to win their final match at home, while all remaining matches will be played simultaneously on Wednesday January 29 at 20.00 GMT.
Ronald Araujo is set to stay at Barcelona for the long haul as he reportedly signs a contract extension with the club until 2031. The Uruguayan defender has been a key player for the team since his promotion to the senior side in 2020 and has attracted interest from top European clubs. After returning from a hamstring injury, Araujo's performance in the Supercopa de Espana final against Real Madrid solidified his importance to the team. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also praised him as one of the best defenders in the world.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released a high-energy campaign film for the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, featuring top stars from participating countries. The film highlights the intense nature of the tournament where every match counts and players put everything on the line for a chance to claim the unique White Jackets. With the tournament featuring the world's top-eight cricketing nations, and Afghanistan making its debut, the stage is set for an electrifying competition. Players like India's Hardik Pandya, England's Phil Salt, and Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi share their excitement and determination to win the coveted trophy.
In the series opener, left-handed batter Abhishek Sharma stole the show with a stunning display of power hitting. His unbeaten 79 runs off just 34 balls included eight sixes and five fours, helping India chase down a modest total of 132 with ease. Sharma's incredible hitting was praised by coach Ravi Shastri and his partnership with Sanju Samson proved to be crucial in India's victory. England will have a tough task ahead if they want to level the series in the next match.
In the sports world, Indian all-rounder Axar Patel shines with his performance against England in the first T20I. He picks up two wickets and concedes just seven runs in three overs, including the dismissal of struggling Gus Atkinson. England, in the meanwhile, struggles to put up a good batting performance, setting a target of 132 for India. Follow Sportskeeda for live updates and news on the ongoing T20I series.
In the first T20 match between India and England, the Indian team put on an impressive performance, chasing down a target of 133 runs with ease to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Despite initial struggles against Jofra Archer, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma put on strong batting displays to help secure the win. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy was the standout player of the match, picking up three crucial wickets and being named Player of the Match. With five more matches to go, the series is sure to deliver more exciting moments.
Despite calls for England to boycott their match against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy, England's white-ball captain Jos Buttler believes that it is not the right way to move forward. The Taliban regime's assault on women's rights in Afghanistan has sparked controversy, leading to UK politicians urging for the boycott. However, Buttler believes that political situations should not affect sports and hopes for a successful tournament.
After a thrilling match, Barcelona secured their spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League with a resounding victory. The team's post-match reactions and interviews are captured in this update, providing fans with all the latest insights and analysis. Read on for a full match report and highlights of this exciting game. Make sure to follow Al Jazeera English for more sports updates and news.
In a highly anticipated match, India's Men in Blue defeated England by seven wickets in the first T20I at the iconic Eden Gardens. With the absence of veteran seamer Mohammed Shami, expectations were high on the three spinners chosen by the team management - Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi, and they did not disappoint. After limiting England to a respectable 132 runs, India batted aggressively in the second innings with Sanju Samson's fiery knock of 26 runs and Abhishek Sharma's blistering half-century of 79 runs. This marked India's seventh consecutive T20I win at Eden Gardens, maintaining their nine-year-old unbeaten record at the venue.
England's Jofra Archer was the star of the show as he dismissed both Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav in the fifth over of the match. The seamer delivered a well-directed short ball that caught both batsmen off guard and resulted in their wickets. His efforts were crucial in England's victory as they managed to defend their total of 132, with Jos Buttler scoring 68 runs. India, on the other hand, fell short of their target despite a valiant effort from captain Virat Kohli, who scored 71 runs.