‘Highlighting Ashwin’s Unappreciated Away Test Performances: Pujara’s Special Tribute at Melbourne 2020’

The cricketing world was left stunned on Wednesday as Ravichandran Ashwin announced his sudden retirement from international cricket. His decision came as a surprise to fans, current and former players, and experts alike, especially since India was in the midst of their Australia Tour. Despite his legendary status in the game, Ashwin found himself overlooked for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth, with Gautam Gambhir opting to choose Washington Sundar instead. This decision left Ashwin feeling extremely disappointed, leading to speculation about his future in the team. It wasn't until regular captain Rohit Sharma returned that Ashwin was given the opportunity to showcase his skills in the second Test. However, by then, the damage seemed to have been done, as Ashwin ultimately decided to call time on his international career. The sudden retirement of the 38-year-old off-spinner has left many wondering about the reasons behind his decision and what the future holds for one of India's greatest players.

But unlike the first Test, India crashed to a defeat in Adelaide, which saw the Aussies level the series at 1-1. Then Ashwin was dropped once again for the third Test in Brisbane, and India managed to draw the match, courtesy of rain. The bombshell announcement came during the post-match press conference, when Ashwin walked in with skipper Rohit and told reporters that he was quitting international cricket.

During his international career, Ashwin was known to be a dominant force in home conditions, with many finding him ineffective in away Test matches. But Cheteshwar Pujara doesn’t think so. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Pujara felt that Ashwin’s contributions in away matches are highly ‘underrated’ and also pointed out an example which included Steve Smith.

“Yes, it is underrated. When he performs the way he performs in India, because most of the time it will be fifers or it will be three or four wickets, but there are times when he will pick up two or three important wickets away from India, and those are key wickets. For example, we are talking about getting Smith out at Melbourne 2020. Those are some of the key wickets overseas, are important ones,” he said.

“It is not about picking a fifer. It is about picking those two-three key wickets to support the other bowlers because overseas the main goal of a fast bowler is that they have to take fifers or do majority of the damage. Whereas Ashwin’s role becomes a supporting one, where he picks up those two-three important key wickets and sometimes we underestimate that role”, he added.

Ashwin has already reached Chennai, and is not in international duty anymore. Ashwin represented India in 40 away Tests, registering 4583 runs and 150 wickets, packed with eight fifers and two 10-wicket hauls. Meanwhile in 65 home fixtures, he bagged 8263 runs and 383 scalps, alongwith 29 five-wicket and six 10-wicket hauls. In one neutral venue Test match, he got 45 runs and four wickets.