Ravichandran Ashwin recently made headlines with his unexpected decision to retire from international cricket, leaving fans and cricket pundits in shock. On Wednesday, during a media briefing alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma, the seasoned off-spinner announced his immediate retirement, marking the end of an illustrious career. The very next day, Ashwin landed quietly at the Chennai airport, expressing no regrets about his decision.
However, the abrupt nature of his retirement has sparked widespread speculation and debate. Rumours have surfaced suggesting that Ashwin’s exclusion from the playing XI during the first game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy might have played a role in his decision.
Adding fuel to the fire, Ashwin’s father, Ravichandran, made an emotional statement, further intensifying the buzz. Speaking to the media, he said, “It was an emotional moment for the family because he had been on the field for almost 14-15 years. The sudden change and retirement gave us a shock. At the same time, we were expecting it because the humiliation was ongoing. How long could he take it? Probably, he decided on his own.”
ALSO READ: “I also saw a tinge of hurt on his face” – Kapil Dev opens up on R Ashwin’s retirement
Responding to his father’s comments, Ashwin took to social media to address the situation humorously. On the platform X, he wrote, “My dad isn’t media trained. Dey father enna da ithelaam 😂😂. I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of ‘dad statements.’ Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone 🙏.”
My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam 😂😂.
I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of “dad statements” .🤣
Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone 🙏 https://t.co/Y1GFEwJsVc
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 19, 2024
Despite playing only one of the three Tests in the ongoing series against Australia, Ashwin retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 537 scalps to his name, trailing only Anil Kumble’s record of 619 wickets.
WATCH – How A Waiter Helped Sachin Tendulkar Redesign His Iconic Elbow Guard
Ashwin assured fans that while his journey as an Indian cricketer might be over, his cricketing chapter is far from closed. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, he said, “I’m going to play for CSK. Don’t be surprised if I try and aspire to play as long as I can. I don’t think Ashwin the cricketer is done; I think Ashwin the Indian cricketer has called it time.”
