Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin proved that his passion for cricket remains as strong as ever after he was spotted playing a Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) Second Division match on Sunday, July 19. While Team India took on England in the ODI series decider at Lord’s, Ashwin was back in action in whites at a local ground, delighting fans with his continued commitment to the game.
A video of the veteran spinner participating in the league match quickly went viral on social media, with cricket enthusiasts praising his love for the sport despite retiring from international cricket. Rather than stepping away from the game, Ashwin has continued to stay involved through domestic and franchise cricket.
The 39-year-old recently featured for the San Francisco Unicorns in the 2026 Major League Cricket (MLC) season. However, his campaign was cut short after he suffered a right knee injury during his debut appearance. Less than two weeks later, Ashwin was back on the field, turning out in local cricket and sharing the dressing room with young domestic players in Tamil Nadu.
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Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket in December 2024 before also calling time on his Indian Premier League career after the 2025 season. Despite ending his professional international journey, he has remained closely connected to the sport.
Ravichandran Ashwin playing TNCA Second Division matches on Sunday 💛
– The love for cricket never stops for Ash. pic.twitter.com/kfTyGNs2pY
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 19, 2026
His domestic record underlines his remarkable consistency across formats. In 162 first-class matches, Ashwin claimed 779 wickets at an outstanding average of 24.96 while also contributing 5,415 runs with the bat, including eight centuries and 25 half-centuries.
On the international stage, Ashwin cemented his legacy as one of India’s greatest all-rounders. Across 106 Test matches, he picked up 537 wickets at an average of 24.00, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket behind Anil Kumble. He also scored 3,503 Test runs, including six centuries.
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Ashwin’s white-ball achievements were equally impressive. He represented India in 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is, taking 156 and 72 wickets respectively. A key member of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squads, Ashwin leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and continues to inspire the next generation by staying active on the cricket field.
