Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy has sparked intense speculation. The Indian spin icon announced his shock retirement from international cricket after being selected for just one of the first three Tests on the tour of Australia.
Adding to the drama, former India cricketer Manoj Tiwari claimed that Ravichandran Ashwin felt “humiliated”, while former bowling coach Bharat Arun described the situation as “hurtful”. Many former cricketers have claimed that there is a mystery behind the sudden appeal made by the former player.
Ravichandran Ashwin breaks silence on retirement mid-series in Australia
Now, Ravichandran Ashwin has finally broken his silence and addressed the rumors about his sudden decision to retire from international cricket in the middle of the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 which Australia won 3-1 against Team India earlier this month. .
The former player revealed that the decision came instinctively at a time when he felt that he had lost his creativity, so there was no need to speculate about the reasons for his exit. Ashwin also stressed that not every ending needs drama, but it can simply represent a new beginning.
I thought I had lost my creativity: Ravichandran Ashwin on his sudden retirement
“I needed this break. I left the series midway. I didn't talk much about cricket, though I did post a few things on X after the Sydney and Melbourne Tests,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat'. “I talk about retirement because I was in the locker room, and it was very important for me to respect the sanctity of the locker room.”
He added: “Fan wars are very toxic these days. You should know that sometimes this is done instinctively. People say many things, but there is no such thing. At that time, I thought I had lost my creativity. Endings can be happy too. “There's no reason to speculate too much.”
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts on not having a farewell match. The former all-rounder has made it clear that he values honesty over grand gestures. He stressed that there is no importance for the farewell match if the player does not deserve a place in the team.
It's always better to stop when people ask why rather than why not: Ashwin
A popular bowler said he wanted to leave cricket at a high level in every aspect, which is why he felt it was the right time to bid farewell to the international arena. He also noted that it is always better to retire before people start asking “why now” rather than “why not.”
“Personally I think there is nothing important in having a farewell match. I just want to be honest. Just think, if I get a farewell Test but don't deserve a place in the side, I won't be happy. Just a game of cricket Mein Dum Tha,” Ashwin signed off by saying. But I think it's always better to stop when people ask why, rather than why not.
It is worth noting that Ashwin, who will continue to play domestic cricket, finished his international career as India's second-highest all-rounder across all formats, trailing only the legendary Anil Kumble. He has taken 537 wickets in 106 Tests, 156 wickets in 116 ODIs and 72 wickets in 65 T20Is for India.
