'I somehow convinced him to stay for pink ball Test' - Rohit Sharma discloses about events leading to Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement

The cricket fraternity were left stunned as Indian all rounder and off-spin legend, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket. As a result, several cricketers shared their reactions and thoughts regarding Ashwin's decision. In the same vein, Team India Skipper Rohit Sharma talked about the events that led to the retirement of the 38-year-old, who served Indian cricket quite sincerely for 14 long years.

Notably, the Gabba Test might have ended in a draw and the series still level at 1-1. However, in a quite unexpected move, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement during the press conference after the conclusion of the match in Brisbane. There were many questions asked regarding Ashwin's decision from Rohit Sharma and he revealed under what circumstances, the spin legend made his retirement call. Besides, Rohit also revealed how he managed to convince the Chennai-based all rounder to postpone his retirement and play in the Pink Ball Test in Adelaide.

“Speaking about Ash (Ravichandran Ashwin), he was very very sure about this decision. I heard this when I came to Perth. Obviously, I was not there for the first three or four days of the Test match, but this was on his mind since then. There are obviously a lot of things that went behind it; I'm pretty sure, Ash, when he went in position, will be able to answer that," said Rohit during the press conference after the Gabba Test.

Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin Net Worth 2024: IPL Salary, Endorsements, Career Achievements

“He understands what the team is thinking. He understands what kind of combinations we are thinking of. When we came here as well, we were not sure about which spinner was going to play. We just wanted to assess and see what kind of conditions we get in front of us, But yeah, when I arrived in Perth, this was a chat we had, and I somehow convinced him to stay for that pink ball Test," Rohit concluded.

Ashwin finished second most wickets for India in Tests

Meanwhile speaking of Ravichandran Ashwin's illustrious international cricket career, the veteran who hails from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, retired with 537 wickets to his name after having featured in 106 Test matches for India. Furthermore, he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests for India after the legendary former legspinner Anil Kumble. Overall, Ashwin was the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history.