Veteran Indian pacer Ravichandran Ashwin has spoken about his decision to retire from international cricket after the third Test against Australia. Ravichandran Ashwin also spoke about his future with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and revealed his plans for the IPL.
Ashwin surprised many by announcing his retirement from international cricket on December 18. Following the announcement, the 38-year-old has decided not to stay with the Indian team for the remaining two Tests of the ongoing series. He returned to India and reached Chennai less than a day later.
It is a great feeling of relief and satisfaction – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin received a warm welcome from his family and friends on his arrival in Chennai. Speaking to news agency ANI, Ashwin admitted that he decided to retire on the fourth day of the Gabba Test match and called for it on the fifth day. He described his decision as a great feeling of relief and satisfaction.
“It's not. It's an emotional thing for a lot of people. It's going to be emotional, maybe it'll stick in my mind. But for me, it's a huge feeling of relief and satisfaction… It's been on my mind for a while but it is.” “It was very instinctive, I felt it on day four and called it on day five,” Ashwin said.
There were no rumors about Ashwin's retirement until Virat Kohli was seen hugging him emotionally in the Indian dressing room on the fifth day. Ashwin then joined skipper Rohit Sharma in the post-match press conference to announce his retirement. Ashwin finished his career with 765 international wickets.
I will play for CSK and don't be surprised – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin will rejoin Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 after being picked in the mega auction in Jeddah. Spinner has stated that he wants to prolong his career as a cricketer as long as possible. Ashwin maintained that he is not done playing and will continue to continue his career in the Indian Premier League.
“I will play for CSK and I won't be surprised if I try and I aspire to play as long as I can. I don't think Ashwin of cricket is finished, I think Ashwin of Indian cricket is maybe the time has come. That's it,” Ashwin added.
Ashwin was bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs. 9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. He will return to the Super Kings for the first time since 2015. Ashwin made his IPL debut for CSK in 2009 under captain MS Dhoni.
I don't want to live my life like this – Ravichandran Ashwin
When asked about not captaining the senior national team during his career, Ashwin replied with good humor, saying: “I can't anymore. It's over.” Ashwin added that he has no regrets, indicating that he would rather not live his life this way.
“I can't do it anymore. It's over. No, I don't have any regrets. I've seen a lot of people who have regrets from afar, but I don't want to live my life that way,” Ashwin joked when asked about the captaincy.
