Image: The retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin has led to speculation about Gautam Gambhir's role / © ETV Bharat
Ravichandran Ashwin shocked the cricket world by announcing his retirement after the third Test against Australia at Gabba. Social media flooded with tributes for India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, who retires with a record 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is. Speculations emerged that Gautam Gambhir, accused of being politically motivated, influenced Ashwin’s decision. Fans blamed Gambhir on platforms like Twitter, suspecting hidden motives as Ashwin’s move followed his exclusion from Gabba. Meanwhile, rumors suggest Ravindra Jadeja might retire next. The India-Australia series is tied 1-1, with the fourth Test set for December 26 at MCG.