Are you ready to dive into one of cricket’s most intriguing retirement stories? In a groundbreaking revelation that has sent ripples through the cricket world, India’s spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin has finally spilled the beans on his surprising decision to retire before the Sydney Test during India’s tour of Australia.
The Emotional Farewell That Stunned Cricket Fans
With 765 international wickets spanning 287 matches, Ashwin pulled down the curtains on his illustrious career with one Test still remaining. While rumors of a rift within the Indian Cricket Team swirled around cricket circles, the veteran spinner has finally set the record straight, revealing the personal struggles that led to his decision.
“To be very honest, I wanted to do it after my 100th Test,” Ashwin disclosed during a candid conversation on Mike Testing 123 podcast with Chennai Super Kings’ batting coach Michael Hussey. “And then I thought, Ok, let me give it a go in the home season. Because, I mean, you’re playing well and you’re getting wickets, you’re making runs. So I thought it does make sense to play a bit.”
The 38-year-old spinner, who has been a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack for over a decade, admitted that the physical and mental toll of international cricket had become increasingly difficult to manage. But what truly pushed him toward retirement was something more fundamental.
“One of the most important things for me that was pulling me down was the family time,” Ashwin revealed, highlighting a struggle that many elite athletes face but few discuss so openly.
The Performance Dip That Accelerated His Decision
Ashwin’s journey toward retirement wasn’t just about family considerations. The numbers tell a compelling story of a gradual decline that likely influenced his thinking. Despite his exploits against England at home, Ashwin’s performance had dipped significantly in the series against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
Against Bangladesh, although he managed a six-wicket haul in the two-match series, he ended with a modest total of 11 wickets. The New Zealand series proved even more challenging, with Ashwin capturing just nine wickets across three matches as India suffered a shocking 0-3 whitewash on home soil.
Meanwhile, a younger talent was making waves. Washington Sundar, another off-spinner from Tamil Nadu, overshadowed Ashwin with an impressive 16 wickets against New Zealand. This stellar performance earned Sundar the position of India’s leading off-spinner on the Australia tour.
The Australia Tour: The Final Straw
The writing was on the wall during the Australia tour. Ashwin played just one match, picking up a solitary wicket. Sundar was preferred over him in the 1st Test in Perth. Although Ashwin returned for the 2nd Test, he was dropped again for the Brisbane Test, with Jadeja playing the sole spinner. The final blow came when Sundar got the nod for the Melbourne Test.
“I thought I’ll probably close off with the Chennai Test here. I ended up getting a six-wicket haul and a hundred. It’s very tough to quit when you’re doing very well,” Ashwin explained, highlighting the paradox many athletes face when contemplating retirement while still performing at a high level.
But the inconsistent selection policy during the Australia tour seemed to have crystallized his decision. “When I didn’t start in Perth, it was like, okay, this whole circle keeps going again. People add very little value to what you’re going through emotionally. They don’t really consider that because your emotions are yours and it doesn’t matter to anybody else. So I had been contemplating that and then I thought, okay, maybe it is time.”
A Master Tactician’s Calculated Exit
What makes Ashwin’s retirement particularly fascinating is the calculated nature of his decision. Known for his analytical approach to cricket, Ashwin appears to have applied the same strategic thinking to his career’s final chapter. Rather than waiting for selectors to phase him out completely, he chose to exit on his own terms.
This decision mirrors his approach on the field – always one step ahead, always thinking about the long game. For a player who revolutionized off-spin bowling with his variations and tactical acumen, it seems fitting that his retirement would be equally thoughtful and deliberate.
“It’s not just about playing the game anymore. At some point, you have to look at what comes next,” Ashwin mentioned during the podcast, giving fans a glimpse into his forward-thinking mindset.
The Chennai Connection: Home Is Where The Heart Is
Throughout his career, Ashwin’s roots in Chennai have remained a significant part of his identity. From playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL to his most memorable performances at Chepauk Stadium, the connection to his hometown has been unwavering.
It’s no surprise then that he mentioned wanting to end his career during a Chennai Test. The emotional attachment to playing in front of his home crowd one final time seems to have been a key consideration in his retirement planning.
“Chennai has given me everything. The support, the love – it’s been incredible. Finishing there would have been special,” Ashwin reflected, showing a sentimentality rarely seen from the usually pragmatic spinner.
A Legacy of Excellence: Ashwin’s Remarkable Career Stats
Despite the somewhat abrupt end to his international journey, Ashwin leaves behind a legacy few can match in the history of cricket:
Bowling Records
- Tests: 106 matches, 537 wickets at an average of 24.00
- ODIs: 116 matches, 156 wickets at 33.20
- T20Is: 65 matches, 72 wickets at 23.22
Batting Achievements
- Tests: 3503 runs with 6 centuries and 14 half-centuries
- ODIs: 707 runs with a high score of 65
- T20Is: 184 runs, maintaining a strike rate of 114.99
Milestone Achievements
- Fastest in the world to reach 250, 300, and 350 Test wickets
- Only player to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test match three times
- Won the ICC Cricketer of the Year award in 2016
- Eight Man of the Series awards in Tests, second only to Muttiah Muralitharan
Life Beyond Cricket: What’s Next for Ashwin?
While Ashwin has stepped away from international cricket, his cricket journey isn’t completely over. He remains active in domestic cricket and has expressed interest in mentoring young spinners.
“I’ve always enjoyed the tactical and analytical side of cricket. That’s something I want to explore more,” Ashwin hinted, possibly suggesting a future role as a coach or cricket analyst. With his deep understanding of the game and articulate communication style, a career in commentary or cricket strategy seems like a natural progression.
What This Means for Indian Cricket’s Future
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. As one of the most analytical and cerebral cricketers of his generation, his absence leaves a void that extends beyond just wicket-taking ability. His decision also highlights the inevitable transition that every team must navigate as younger talents like Washington Sundar step into the spotlight.
The timing of Ashwin’s retirement—just before what would have been his final Test in Australia—serves as a poignant reminder that even the greatest careers don’t always get the fairytale endings fans might hope for. Sometimes, the most authentic conclusions come when players recognize it’s time to walk away on their own terms.
Are you surprised by Ashwin’s candid revelations about his retirement? Do you think the rise of Washington Sundar played a bigger role than he’s letting on? Share your thoughts on one of cricket’s most accomplished spin wizards calling time on his remarkable international career.
