Ashwin Opens Up on his Retirement, Says "I am only in the Team Because..."

Ravichandran Ashwin retired mid-series during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, citing self-awareness. Rejecting a farewell game, he emphasized cricket's joy over ceremonial exits, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy in Indian cricket.

The 38-year-old Indian spinner, known for his sharp cricketing mind and mastery over the ball, recently opened up about his unexpected decision to retire mid-series during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

“For me, what matters is playing with honesty and passion. I don’t need a farewell game. The happiness and experiences the game has given me are more than enough,” said Ravichandran Ashwin, addressing his retirement from international cricket. 

Ashwin's announcement, made after the third Test in Brisbane, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Fans and pundits were taken aback by the abruptness of the decision, especially since he had been a key figure in Indian cricket for over a decade.

However, Ashwin made it clear that the decision was instinctive, coming from a place of self-awareness rather than external pressures. He revealed on his YouTube channel, “When you know your time is up, there’s no point in dragging it further. My creativity on the field felt like it had run its course.”

Reflecting on the events leading to his retirement, Ashwin explained how his fluctuating role in the team influenced his decision. “You think what happened? I did not play the first Test. I played the second but did not play the third. It was possible I could play the next or not play the next. This is a side of my creativity and I was looking to explore it. At that time, I felt my creativity was over, so it was over. It was simple” he said. The Tamil Nadu cricketer, who has always been known for his articulate thoughts, emphasized that his retirement was not about controversies or conflicts but about moving forward when he felt ready.

The idea of a farewell game, often seen as a ceremonial way to honor a cricketer’s career, was something Ashwin dismissed outright. “Imagine if I want to play a farewell Test but I do not deserve a place. Imagine, I am only in the team because it is my farewell Test. I don't want that,” he remarked. He elaborated that the essence of cricket lies in the joy it brings, not in grand exits or extended applause.

Ashwin's humility and grounded approach to the sport shone through as he said, “The game has given me so much already; I have no complaints.”

Ashwin also touched upon his aspirations post-retirement. While he left the Indian dressing room, he hinted at continuing his cricketing journey elsewhere. “I still have cricket left in me, but it’s about finding the right space to explore it. For now, I’m happy to leave when people are asking ‘why’ instead of ‘why not,’” he said with a smile.

As one of India’s finest off-spinners, Ashwin's legacy is monumental. With 537 Test wickets in 106 matches and a combined total of 765 international wickets, he stands as one of the country’s greatest bowlers. Only Anil Kumble has more wickets for India. Beyond numbers, his ability to outthink batters and adapt to different conditions made him a game-changer on the field.

While his departure may seem sudden, it is quintessential Ashwin—methodical, introspective, and unafraid to take bold steps. As fans come to terms with his decision, one thing is clear: Ravichandran Ashwin’s contribution to Indian cricket will remain etched in history, not for how it ended, but for how it unfolded with brilliance and integrity.