Following India’s 0-2 home Test series loss to South Africa, the tension fell directly on the missing experience of the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. In a recent video message, Ashwin contended that a more definitive transition route, which would have included the grooming of younger players by their seniors, could have buffered the impact. He felt that the ex-stars could have stayed on for a longer period and actively mentored the next generation, as there wouldn’t have been a void in leadership.
Ashwin stressed that India’s system historically lacks “knowledge transfer,” wherein former players contribute to grooming fresh talent. He claimed that if roles and timelines had been more clearly defined, veterans could have phased out gracefully while preparing successors for both batting and bowling departments.
Ashwin on Seniors’ Forced Retirement in Indian Cricket
According to Ashwin, when the seniors exit in a hurry or without proper succession plans, the performance chasm stays glaringly obvious, particularly in high-pressure Test matches. He believed players like Kohli and Rohit still had the potential to contribute, not just with runs, but with guidance, experience, and composure.
Ashwin said that had they been given clearer roles as elder statesmen guiding the young, the transition would have felt smoother. He claimed he could have helped young spinners emerge, as senior bowlers mentor juniors in other Test-playing nations. His comments reflect a broader worry: Indian cricket often cycles through players without retaining institutional memory through veteran leadership.
Sunil Gavaskar Dismisses Ashwin’s Claim
Gavaskar rejected the idea that either Kohli, Rohit or Ashwin were “pushed out” by team management or selectors, saying any decision to retire is a personal one and including them wouldn’t have guaranteed India wins against South Africa.
Gavaskar said during the previous series, when all three were available, results were no different: India lost 0–3 at home to New Zealand and suffered defeats abroad. He felt that basing the current failure on their absence overlooks deeper structural issues and the collective performance of the team.
Gavaskar cautioned against simplistic assessments that attribute losses solely to the retirement of stars. Having said that, cricket is a team game and big names don’t ensure victory unless a larger system balance, form and collective responsibility work in tandem.
