R Ashwin’s Emotional Retirement Revelation: ‘People Add Little Value to Your Emotions’
In a heartfelt revelation, veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up about the emotional turmoil and personal reflections that led to his retirement from international cricket. Speaking on a podcast by Chennai Super Kings alongside Mike Hussey, Ashwin detailed the pivotal moments that influenced his decision during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia.
Ashwin, who bid farewell to Test cricket after the third Test at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane, admitted that the thought of retirement first crossed his mind after his milestone 100th Test earlier this year. Despite his initial hesitation, the 38-year-old spinner chose to continue, fueled by stellar performances, including a six-wicket haul and a century during the Chennai Test against England in February 2021.
‘To be honest, I contemplated retiring after my 100th Test. But I thought, let me push through the home season. I was taking wickets, scoring runs, and enjoying my game,’ Ashwin reflected. ‘Quitting when you’re at your peak is incredibly tough. After a memorable performance in Chennai, I felt I could go on.’
However, the physical and mental demands of elite cricket, coupled with a longing for family time, began to weigh heavily on him. The disappointment of a home series loss to New Zealand in October 2024 further intensified his introspection. ‘The hard yards I had to put in, both physically and mentally, were draining. Missing family time was pulling me down the most,’ he confessed.
The tipping point came during the Australia tour when Ashwin was left out of the playing XI for the first Test in Perth, with Washington Sundar preferred over him. This exclusion reignited feelings of frustration and isolation. ‘When I didn’t start in Perth, it felt like a repetitive cycle. People add very little value to what you’re going through emotionally,’ Ashwin remarked candidly. ‘Your emotions are personal, and often, others fail to understand their depth. That’s when I realized it might be time to call it a day.’
Ashwin’s illustrious career spanned over a decade, during which he became India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with an astonishing 537 wickets in 106 matches, only behind the legendary Anil Kumble (619 wickets). His ability to outfox batsmen with clever variations and sharp cricketing intellect made him a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack. Beyond statistics, his contributions in clutch moments—like his match-winning performances in the 2018-19 Australia tour where he claimed 21 wickets—cemented his legacy.
As Ashwin transitions into the next chapter of his life, currently playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, his candid reflections serve as a reminder of the human side of sport. Behind the records and accolades lies a man grappling with personal sacrifices and emotional battles, a story that resonates with athletes and fans alike.
In closing, Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, but his words echo a universal truth: emotions are deeply personal, and sometimes, stepping away is the hardest yet most necessary decision. As the cricketing world bids farewell to one of its finest spinners, his legacy will inspire generations to come.