Ravi Ashwin: The Kutty Story ends on a high

Timing of the spinner-allrounder's international retirement raises uncomfortable questions

- GAUTAM BHATTACHARYYA

KOLKATA: Just when one thought that the final day of the drawn third Test at the Gabba had rains as a dampener, there was enough surprise value left in the post-match press conference of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. He had Ravi Ashwin accompanying him – announcing that Wednesday was his last day in international cricket across all formats.

A decision nothing short of sensational, given the fact it came in the middle of a major Test series and the draw in Brisbane meant India were still in with a chance to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final next year. At 38 years, the second highest wicket taker for India in Tests after Anil Kumble was very much within his rights to sign off, but the timing and the manner has left more questions than answers in the minds of legions of his fans.