India’s highest active wicket-taker shares his thoughts on retiring mid-series against Australia and reflects on his cricketing journey.
December 24, 2024: Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s legendary off-spinner and the highest wicket-taker among active bowlers with 537 Test scalps, stunned the cricketing world when he announced his retirement mid-series during the India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With two matches still remaining in the series, Ashwin’s decision left many puzzled, including cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, who questioned the timing of the announcement.
India captain Rohit Sharma later clarified the situation, explaining: “It just happened so that if you know where he felt that, ‘if I’m not needed right now in the series, I’m better off.'”
After maintaining silence for weeks, Ashwin has finally opened up about his reasons for retiring in an interview with Sky Sports.
Ashwin’s Perspective on 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,” Ashwin said.
He emphasized his philosophy of leaving things behind without attachment: “I always wanted to leave things behind as nonchalantly as I can because I do not believe in people celebrating me. It is the game that always stood ahead of me.”
The Creative Side of Cricket
Ashwin explained that his decision stemmed from a feeling of creative stagnation. “I did contemplate [retirement] a few times. For me, the day I woke up and felt the creative side of me didn’t have a future or direction, that would be the day I would give it up.”
Cricket: Ashwin’s Lifelong Calling
Reflecting on his passion for cricket, Ashwin shared how deeply the sport has shaped his life. “I’ve played Test cricket for so long it’s even taught me how to construct and live my life. It’s the most beautiful thing that has happened for me.”
He also acknowledged the unique perspective he gained from his cricketing career, stating: “The amount of exploration I have had to do to be very successful has left me with a wide variety of knowledge. This game has been my calling, and it has given me meaning to life.”
Ashwin’s Legacy
Ravichandran Ashwin will be remembered not just as one of India’s greatest bowlers, but also as an intellectual and philosophical cricketer who approached the game with unmatched creativity and passion.
Tags: Ravichandran Ashwin, Ashwin Retirement, India vs Australia, Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit Sharma, Sunil Gavaskar, Indian Cricket, Test Cricket, Cricket Retirement, Cricket Legends.
