Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has stunned the cricketing world with his decision to retire from international cricket. The announcement came at a time when emotions were running high during the 3rd Test between India and Australia, following the cancellation of the Day 5 play due to rain. In a moment of deep emotion, Ashwin shared a heartfelt hug with his teammate Virat Kohli, which soon sparked widespread speculation about his future in cricket. Moments later, Ashwin stood beside Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, during a press conference and formally confirmed his retirement from the international circuit.
Ashwin’s decision has come as a surprise to many, especially given his crucial role in Indian cricket for over a decade. However, in an emotional and deeply personal explanation, he shared his thoughts on why the time was right for him to step away from the game. His retirement, he emphasized, was not an impulsive decision but one that had been a long time coming. He spoke openly about how he has always held the belief that letting go of things when the time is right is vital for both personal and professional growth. He explained that his decision was rooted in his desire to avoid clinging to the fame or glory associated with cricket. For Ashwin, the game itself had always been more important than the accolades and the attention that sometimes come with it.
"I do not believe in people celebrating me," Ashwin expressed during an interview with Sky Sports. "There’s always that question inside you—am I making the right decision? For me, it was different. I’ve never been the type to hold on to things. I’ve never felt insecure because I don’t believe what I have today will necessarily be mine tomorrow. That mindset has elevated me over the years," he added. His words underline his unshakeable commitment to the game itself, a commitment that transcends the often superficial nature of recognition and praise.
Ashwin’s philosophy has always been focused on self-improvement and his love for cricket rather than seeking personal glorification. He explained that he has never sought validation from others or craved the spotlight. His approach has always been rooted in a pure passion for the sport. The fame and attention that come with being a successful cricketer, especially in a cricket-obsessed nation like India, were never driving factors for him. For Ashwin, the game was always the priority, and everything else came second.
"I’ve always wanted to leave things behind nonchalantly because I don’t believe in people celebrating me or the kind of attention we sometimes get in India," he said. "For me, the game has always come first. If you watch me talk about the game or dissect it, it’s about how much I love it, not what comes with it. I’m not judging those who enjoy the perks, but this is my journey," Ashwin clarified. His words reflect his desire to be remembered for his contributions to the game and not the adulation that often surrounds a cricketer’s career in the spotlight.
Despite the seeming finality of his decision, Ashwin made it clear that his retirement was not impulsive but a result of deep self-reflection. He admitted that he had thought about his future in cricket on numerous occasions. The turning point came when he felt his creative instincts—a hallmark of his career—were beginning to stagnate. As one of the most innovative spinners in modern cricket, Ashwin has always prided himself on his ability to think outside the box and keep evolving his game. However, recently, he felt that his creative abilities were no longer flourishing in the way they once did.
"I’ve contemplated things many times," Ashwin confessed. "I’ve often said the day I wake up and feel my creative side doesn’t have a future or direction, I’ll give it up. Recently, I felt that the creative side didn’t have much upside left. I started wondering where I could open a new laboratory to experiment and explore. I realized that window wasn’t there anymore. It’s a battle inside me, figuring out how to explore these options. But I believe there are laboratories in world cricket today, so I thought, maybe this isn’t the lab for me—I’ll find another one."
These reflections highlight Ashwin’s constant drive for self-discovery and his never-ending quest for innovation. His decision to retire is based on his belief that he had explored all he could in the environment he was in, and it was time to find a new challenge. The analogy of a laboratory symbolizes his desire to create and experiment, not just in cricket but in whatever path he chooses to take in the future.
While his retirement marks the end of his international career, Ashwin’s influence on the game cannot be overstated. He has been one of the most successful spinners India has ever produced, with numerous records and achievements to his name. Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket, particularly in Test matches, have solidified his legacy as one of the finest cricketers of his generation. His ability to turn a game with his guile and spin, his versatility with both the ball and bat, and his intelligence on the field will be remembered for years to come.
However, as he steps away from the international scene, Ashwin’s love for cricket and his innovative spirit will likely continue to shape his future. Whether he chooses to take up coaching, mentoring, or exploring opportunities beyond traditional cricketing roles, Ashwin’s journey is far from over. He may have retired from international cricket, but his passion for the game will undoubtedly find new avenues to thrive in. Ashwin’s career may have come full circle, but his journey in cricket, and beyond, is sure to take new and exciting directions in the years ahead.
