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Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, stunned the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from international cricket after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at Gabba, Brisbane. At 38, Ashwin concluded a remarkable 14-year career with 765 international wickets across all three formats, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest spinners in the history of the game.
The Decision to Retire
In a candid conversation with former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, Ashwin opened up about the reasons behind his decision. He revealed that the lack of fulfillment in his creative drive led to his retirement.
“I’ve never been a person who holds onto things. I’ve never felt insecure in life. I don’t believe what is mine today is going to be mine tomorrow. That has probably been one of my elevating factors all these years,” Ashwin stated.
Ashwin disclosed that he had contemplated retirement on previous occasions but finally decided to step away when he felt that his creative side no longer had a future or direction. “For me, the day I woke up and felt the creative side of me didn’t have a lot of upsides to explore, that would be the day I would give it up. I suddenly felt that creative side didn’t have a lot of upsides to explore,” he explained.
A Life Dedicated to Cricket
Ashwin expressed gratitude for the role cricket played in shaping his life.
“The game has always stood ahead of me. I’ve given it my all, despite knowing it wasn’t always the popular or accepted method. My journey is completely mine,” he said. He also highlighted how the sport taught him essential life lessons, saying, “Test cricket has taught me how to construct and live my life. It’s the most beautiful thing that has happened for me.”
Ashwin emphasized the joy of exploration and how his passion for cricket helped him evolve as a player and person. “The amount of exploration I’ve had to do to be successful has left me with a wide variety of knowledge to confidently say this is a game I love and can explore and brutally talk about for the rest of my life.”
Reflections on His Career
Ashwin’s illustrious career is marked by several records and achievements, including being the fastest Indian bowler to reach 300 Test wickets. Known for his strategic acumen and ability to innovate, he was not only a prolific wicket-taker but also a valuable contributor with the bat. Despite his unorthodox methods, Ashwin carved a niche for himself, earning admiration and respect globally.
Legacy and Future
Returning to Chennai after his announcement, Ashwin was greeted with fanfare by his family and friends. Reflecting on his career, he said, “I’ve got no regrets because I’ve had to do it the hard way. This game found me and has given meaning to my life.”
While stepping away from international cricket, Ashwin hinted at staying connected to the game. His deep understanding of cricket and willingness to share his knowledge may see him transition into mentorship or commentary roles, ensuring his impact on the sport continues.
