Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up on his growing speculation about his future in international cricket. While he is still a key figure in India’s Test squad, Ashwin said that his retirement will come only when he no longer feels to improve his game as well.
Speaking ahead of India’s home Test series against Bangladesh, Ashwin said during a conversation with Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel, “There is nothing like that in my mind. I am only thinking about one day at a time because when you get older, you have to put in extra effort every single day. It’s not the same. I have put in a lot of effort in the last 3-4 years. I haven’t decided (retirement), but the day I feel that today I don’t want to improve, I will leave. That’s all.”
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However, despite nearing 40, R Ashwin remains highly motivated, saying that his daily effort and passion for the game help to do better in his performance. He also holds the top spot in the ICC Test bowler rankings and will play a key role in India’s upcoming five-match Test home series, starting with two matches against Bangladesh, followed by three against New Zealand as well.
“I haven’t set any targets for myself. Anil Bhai wants me to break his record, but I’m just happy living day by day. I don’t want to lose my love for the game by setting targets,” R Ashwin concluded. “I know how my life changed after that tough phase. I’m just holding on to my joy of cricket, and the moment I feel I’m losing it, I’ll step away.” The seasoned bowler acknowledged that all players eventually leave the game and that others will take their place, continuing the legacy of Indian cricket. “We all play, and we all have to leave. Somebody else will come and do well. It’s Indian cricket.”
Ahead of the series opener against Bangladesh, he has named one record he would like to have in his name before he quits cricket as well and surprisingly, it’s not related to bowling too.
“Ek over mei 6 chakke maarna chahta hoon (I want to him six sixes in an over), par kabhi hua he nahi kabhi,” Ashwin said.
