Published: Jan 15, 2025, 09:58 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 15, 2025, 09:58 AM (IST)
A few weeks ago, veteran India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin announced his shock retirement from international cricket. The announcement came following the conclusion of the third Border-Gavaskar series Test in Brisbane.
Since the shocking decision, several theories have come up. While former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary said that Ashwin was ‘disrespected’, former India bowling coach Bharat Arun said that the veteran spinner was ‘hurt’.
After many speculations were made as to why Ashwin shockingly announced his retirement in between the Australia tour, the former India cricketer himself broke his silence on the topic.
“I needed this break. I left the series midway. I did not talk much about cricket, though I did post a few things on X after the Sydney and Melbourne Tests. I did not talk about retirement because I was in the dressing room and it was very important for me to respect the sanctum of the dressing room. The fan war is very toxic nowadays, ” Ashwin said on Ash Ki Baat.
“You should know that sometimes it is done instinctively. People are saying many things but there is nothing like that. At that time, I thought I lost my creativity. Endings can be happy also. There is no reason to speculate much,” Ashwin added.
“I personally believe that there is nothing important in having a farewell match. I just want to be honest. Just think, if I get a farewell Test but I am not deserving of a place in the side, I will not be happy. Mere cricket mein dum tha, but I think it always better to stop when people ask why and not why not,” Ashwin further said.
The 38-year-old retired as one of the finest spinners to ever feature for India. With a total of 537 wickets in 106 Tests, Ashwin finished as the second-highest wicket-taker for the Men in Blue in red-ball cricket, only behind the legendary Anil Kumble.
