Kapil Dev, like many others, was left shocked by Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement from international cricket. The World Cup-winning captain believes that the champion spinner deserved a better farewell.

"I was shocked by how one of India's greatest cricketers chose to leave the game. The disappointment among the fans was widespread, but I also saw a tinge of hurt on his face. He looked unhappy, and that was sad. He deserved much better, a fitting farewell," Kapil said.

Kapil said that while retiring on home soil rather than in the middle of an away series in Australia would have been better, he would be curious to know Ashwin's "side of the story". "He could have waited and announced his retirement on Indian soil, but I don't know why Ashwin called it a day (in Australia)... I would want to hear his side of the story. Give him that respect. He has played 106 Tests for the country. I don't think anyone can match his humongous contribution to Indian cricket."

Kapil hoped that the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) would plan a "grand farewell" for the off-spinner.

"I'm sure the parent body of cricket in India, BCCI, shall plan a grand farewell for this giant match-winner of Team India," he said.

Showering praise on Ashwin's skills, Kapil said: "He was ready to experiment, and that is what set him apart. In a game where the batters get the most accolades, Ashwin stood out with his prowess.

"Ashwin was brave. He could bowl at any stage of the contest. Do you find bowlers with such tremendous tactical sense who can adapt quickly? He was his captain's go-to man," Kapil assessed.

"He was a rare spinner who could bowl with the new ball, just like Anil Kumble. Thank God I didn't have to play alongside him. I would have lost my place to Ashwin... He could bat, bowl, field."

With inputs from PTI