The legendary off-spinner, who retired mid-series in Australia, says he has “zero regrets” and is ready to embrace a new path.
December 20, 2024: The scene at the Chennai International Airport on Thursday was a celebration, complete with flower petals, smiles, and a live band, as Ravichandran Ashwin returned home following his shocking mid-series retirement from international cricket. The 38-year-old, who has 765 international wickets to his name, landed early in the morning and was greeted by officials from the state cricket association.
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Ashwin avoided speaking to the waiting media at the airport, heading straight to his car where his wife, Prithi, and their two daughters eagerly awaited him. However, once he reached home, surrounded by family and well-wishers, the legendary spinner opened up about his decision.
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“It’s emotional for a lot of people, and maybe it will sink in (over time), but for me, personally, it is a great sense of relief and satisfaction,” Ashwin said, addressing reporters. “It was very instinctive, and it has been running in my head for a while. I just felt it on Day 4 and decided to call it a day,” he said, referring to the third Test against Australia in Brisbane.
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No Regrets, Only Gratitude
Ashwin dismissed any notion of regret over not captaining the Indian team, saying, “I can’t do it now, and I have no such regrets. In fact, I have zero regrets. I have seen from a distance those who carry regrets, but I don’t have any.”
The seasoned bowler, who ranks second among India’s all-time Test wicket-takers with 537 wickets (behind Anil Kumble’s 619), was overwhelmed by the warm reception at his home. “I never thought so many people would come here. I just wanted a quiet entry and was looking forward to relaxing at home, but you all have made my day,” he said.
Reflecting on his career, Ashwin shared, “To be honest, we all go through a lot, not just cricketers but everyone in life. Generally, when I go to sleep, I remember things like taking wickets or making runs, but those memories have not been there for the past two years. That was a clear indication that it was time to take a different route.”
Looking Ahead: Club Cricket and IPL
While Ashwin has retired from international cricket, he made it clear that his cricketing journey is far from over. “I will continue to play club cricket, including the IPL, where I’ll return to play for Chennai Super Kings next year. Don’t be surprised if I aspire to play for as long as I can. Ashwin the cricketer is not done; only Ashwin the Indian cricketer has called time,” he reiterated.
Ashwin’s illustrious career includes being part of India’s victorious campaigns in the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He has played 116 ODIs, taking 156 wickets, and 65 T20Is, where he claimed 72 scalps. Ashwin made his international debut in 2010 in ODIs, followed by his Test debut in 2011, leaving behind a legacy that will be hard to match.
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