‘The Game Gave My Life Meaning’: Ravichandran Ashwin

The veteran spinner opens up about his legacy, personal growth, and deep love for cricket after announcing his retirement from international cricket.

New Delhi, December 24: Following his retirement from international cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin candidly shared reflections on his remarkable journey, expressing profound gratitude for the game that gave his life purpose and direction.

In an insightful conversation on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, Ashwin spoke about the transformative impact cricket has had on him, both as a player and as an individual.

“I’ve got no regrets because I’ve had to do it the hard way, but it has left me with the idea that cricket has been my calling. People find their calling at different stages of their life, but I’m so glad this game found me,” Ashwin said.

A Deep Connection with the Sport

Ashwin emphasized his humble approach to the attention he received as a cricketer.

“I don’t believe in people celebrating me or the attention we get sometimes in India. For me, it’s always been about how much I love the game, not the accolades that come with it,” he added.

Reflecting on his cricketing career, Ashwin described Test cricket as the most enriching experience of his life.

“I’ve played Test cricket for so long that it has even taught me how to construct and live my life. It’s the most beautiful thing that has happened to me,” he said.

A Unique Cricketing Journey

Ashwin, known for his analytical approach to the game, stressed the importance of personal exploration and learning in cricket.

“My journey is completely mine. I gave it my all, despite knowing it wasn’t always the popular or accepted method. The exploration I’ve had to do to succeed has left me with a wide variety of knowledge about this game,” he remarked.

He also underlined the importance of being able to articulate one’s learnings:

“I’ve seen many talented cricketers, but the ability to teach or explain the game comes only when you’ve deeply explored it yourself,” Ashwin noted.

Ashwin’s Glorious Career in Numbers

Ashwin’s illustrious career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Across formats, his contributions with both ball and bat have left an indelible mark:

• Tests: 106 matches | 537 wickets | Best: 7/59 | 37 five-wicket hauls | 8 ten-wicket hauls | 3,503 runs | 6 centuries | 14 fifties
• ODIs: 116 matches | 156 wickets | Best: 4/25 | 707 runs | 1 fifty
• T20Is: 65 matches | 72 wickets | Best: 4/8 | 184 runs

With 765 wickets across all formats, Ashwin is India’s second-highest wicket-taker, only behind the legendary Anil Kumble (953 wickets).

He was also an integral part of India’s 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup victory and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy triumph.

A Legacy to Remember

Ashwin leaves behind a legacy defined by brilliance, resilience, and an unyielding passion for the game. His words reflect not only his love for cricket but also the wisdom gained from years of dedication.

“This is a game I love and can talk about passionately for the rest of my life,” Ashwin concluded.

As cricket enthusiasts bid farewell to Ashwin’s international career, his contributions to Indian cricket will remain etched in history, inspiring generations of cricketers to come.