Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden announcement of retirement from international cricket left fans, teammates, and the cricketing world stunned. Among the many tributes pouring in, one stood out for its heartfelt emotion—his wife Prithi Narayanan’s poignant reflection on his illustrious career. Sharing her thoughts in an Instagram post, Prithi celebrated Ashwin not only as a cricketer but as her partner, encapsulating their journey through the highs and lows of his professional life.
On December 18, following the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Brisbane’s Gabba, Ashwin declared his retirement from international cricket at the age of 38. The off-spinner concluded his career with an impressive 537 Test wickets, 3,503 runs, six centuries, and a total of 765 international wickets across all formats.
While he couldn’t make a significant impact in his final Test, which ended in a draw, his legacy as one of India’s greatest spinners remains intact. Prithi’s post delved into the emotional rollercoaster that accompanied Ashwin’s cricketing journey. She described the past two days as a blur, filled with memories of their shared experiences.
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“Do I write this as a tribute to my all-time favorite cricketer, as a partner, or as a fangirl? I guess it’s a little bit of all,” she mused.Her heartfelt words painted a vivid picture of their life together—moments of triumph, heartbreak, and quiet introspection.
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From celebrating major wins like the Champions Trophy final and the historic victories at the MCG, Sydney, and Gabba, to enduring the silent heartbreak of defeats, Prithi captured the essence of their shared experiences. She recalled the sound of Ashwin’s pencil scratching paper as he jotted down game plans, the constant analysis of footage, and the meditative calm before each match, all of which reflected his unwavering commitment to the sport.
Prithi also reflected on her transformation from someone unfamiliar with cricket to a passionate supporter. “From not knowing how to put a kit bag together to traveling the world and rooting for you, it’s been an incredible journey,” she wrote. She expressed gratitude for the privilege of witnessing Ashwin’s dedication, discipline, and passion for cricket up close, which deepened her love for the sport.
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Though Ashwin has stepped away from the international stage, his cricketing story is far from over. He will continue to represent the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, a team with which he shares a long-standing bond. There’s also speculation about his participation in the Ranji Trophy later this season with Tamil Nadu.
For fans and loved ones, Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era. Yet, as Prithi’s tribute so beautifully conveys, his legacy transcends numbers and records. It lies in the memories he created, the inspiration he provided, and the indelible mark he left on Indian cricket. As he embraces life beyond international cricket, Ashwin carries with him the pride of a nation and the love of those who stood by him through every moment of his remarkable career.
