NEW DELHI: Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement from international cricket sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. While Ashwin cited personal reasons and a desire to continue playing at the club level, his father, Ravichandran, offered a different perspective, hinting at possible emotional struggles stemming from repeated exclusions from the national team’s playing XI.
Ashwin, who announced his retirement during the third Test against Australia in Brisbane, ended an illustrious international career spanning over 14 years. With 537 wickets in 106 Test matches, 156 in 116 ODIs, and 72 in 65 T20Is, he became India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, earning respect as one of the greatest spinners in modern cricket. However, his father’s emotional revelation added a new dimension to the retirement narrative.
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In a heartfelt statement, Ashwin’s father reflected on his son’s journey, expressing both pride and a sense of disappointment over the way things unfolded toward the end of his career. “The sudden change retirement gave us a kind of shock. At the same time, we were expecting it because humiliation was going on. How long could he tolerate all those things? Probably, he would have decided on his own,” he remarked. His words hinted at Ashwin’s struggles with inconsistent selection, despite being a consistent performer for India.
Ashwin, however, was quick to respond, taking to social media to address his father’s comments. In a lighthearted post, he wrote, “My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam (what’s all this, father). I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of ‘dad statements’. Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone.” His response showcased his characteristic wit while making it clear that his father’s remarks were not intended to stir controversy.
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Despite the emotional undertones, Ashwin emphasized that he still has cricket left in him and plans to continue playing at the club level. “I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket,” he stated.
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His legacy, built on remarkable skill, adaptability, and determination, will be remembered fondly by fans worldwide. While the reasons behind his decision may remain personal, his contributions to the game are undeniable, securing him a lasting place in cricket history.
