IND vs BAN: Ravichandran Ashwin announces his RETIREMENT plans

India's ace offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin has finally broken his silence on his much-anticipated retirement plans. Ashwin is currently 37 and probably in the last few years of his international career.

However, he hasn't yet decided on his retirement and believes that the moment he loses his interest in improving his game, he will retire. Ashwin will be in action in India's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

Earlier, it was speculated that he would play the Duleep Trophy to prepare for India's long red-ball season but was left out of the squads later. Ashwin will have a big role to play in the upcoming Tests, especially in those which will be played at home.

Also read: IND vs BAN: India’s intense practice session begins, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli shine in nets (Watch video)

Ravichandran Ashwin breaks silence on his retirement plans

During an interview on the YouTube channel Vimal Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin was asked about the no. of years left in his international career. The ace offspinner was clear in his mind that he was just thinking about the present and not thinking too much about retirement. He further added that he will retire on the day he does not want to improve anymore.

“There is nothing like that in my mind. I am only thinking about one day at a time because when you get older, you have to put in extra effort every single day. It’s not the same. I have put in a lot of effort in the last 3-4 years," Ashwin said.

"I haven’t decided (on retirement), but the day I feel that today I don’t want to improve, I will leave. That’s all," he added.

The 37-year-old further stated that the legendary spinner Anil Kumble also wants him to break his record. He further claimed that his life changed after the difficult period between 2018 and 2020. Since then, Ashwin has transformed into a consistent performer in Tests.

"Anil (Kumble) Bhai wants me to break his record' - Ravichandran Ashwin

“Kuch target nahi hai (I have not set any target for myself). Anil (Kumble) Bhai wants me to break his record (of 619 wickets). He is a good human; I have worked with him, but I am not keeping any targets," Ashwin said.

I have been very happy living by the day, and I have totally enjoyed my cricket. I am saying this because it’s a new lease of life. I know what I went through from 2018 to 2020. So, I know how my life changed after that and how I am playing cricket," he mentioned.

Ashwin also added that the love for the game keeps him going and the moment he starts losing the joy of playing cricket, he will leave.

"I just want to hold on to this; I don’t want to lose my love for the game for anything. That could be a target or anything. The moment I feel I am losing the joy of my life by having to do more and I am not ready for it, I will leave," he concluded.

Ravichandran Ashwin's last competitive match

Ravichandran Ashwin last played competitive cricket in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024 where he led his team Dindigul Dragons to the title win. Before that, he played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 for Rajasthan Royals.

Ashwin's last international assignment was the Test series against England at home played in earlier in 2024. Since he is not a part of India's ODI and T20I plans, he hasn't played any international cricket after the England Tests.