The cricketing world was left in shock when Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest spin bowlers, announced his retirement from international cricket immediately following the third Test against Australia in Brisbane. The announcement, made in a brief statement alongside captain Rohit Sharma, marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned over 14 years and saw Ashwin become the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test history. However, the circumstances surrounding his retirement have raised eyebrows and prompted deep reflection from his family, particularly his father, Ravichandran.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden decision of retirement
Ashwin’s retirement came as a surprise not only to fans but also to his family. His father revealed that he learned of Ashwin’s decision just moments before it was made public.
“I too came to know last minute, actually. What was going on in his mind, I don’t know. He just announced. I too, accepted it with full pleasure. I did not have any feelings at all about that. But the way he gave his retirement, one part I was very happy, another part not happy because he should have continued,” Ravichandran stated in a conversation with CNN News 18, expressing a mix of acceptance and confusion regarding his son’s abrupt choice.
The emotional weight of this moment was palpable, as he described feeling “numb” after the announcement. While he acknowledged that it was ultimately Ashwin’s decision to retire, he hinted at underlying issues that may have influenced this significant choice.
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Ashwin’s father talks about a shadow of humiliation
The most striking comment from Ravichandran Sr. was his suggestion that his son may have felt “humiliated” during his final days in international cricket. This sentiment likely stems from Ashwin’s recent struggles to secure a spot in India’s playing XI, particularly in overseas conditions where he has often found himself sidelined in favour of younger players like Washington Sundar. Since 2021, Ashwin has played only six Tests outside India, despite being a dominant force at home. His father’s remarks suggest that the ongoing challenges and perceived lack of recognition may have contributed to Ashwin’s decision to step away from the international stage.
“(Retiring) is his (Ashwin’s) wish and desire, I cannot interfere in that, but the way in which he gave that, there could be many reasons. Only Ashwin knows, maybe humiliation,” Ashwin’s father added.
An emotional family response
The family’s reaction to Ashwin’s retirement reflects a complex mix of pride and sorrow. Ashwin’s father noted that while he was proud of his son’s achievements, the suddenness of the retirement left them in shock.
“Definitely, no doubt about it (being emotional for the family), because he was on the field for 14-15 years. The sudden change – retirement – gave us really kind of a shock. At the same time, we were expecting it because humiliation was going on. How long he can tolerate all those things? Probably, he would have decided on his own, ” he concluded, emphasizing the emotional turmoil that accompanies such a significant life change after 14-15 years on the field. The family’s mixed feelings underscore the difficulty of reconciling pride in Ashwin’s accomplishments with concern over how he has been treated in recent times.
With 537 Test wickets and numerous records to his name, including being joint-second for five-wicket hauls alongside Shane Warne, Ashwin leaves behind an indelible mark on Indian cricket. However, his father’s comments hint at a desire for more recognition and respect within the sport—something that may have influenced Ashwin’s decision to retire mid-series rather than waiting for a more conventional farewell.