'It's better to stop when people...': Ravichandran Ashwin breaks silence on not getting farewell Test
Published - 15 Jan 2025, 11:41 AM | Updated - 15 Jan 2025, 11:42 AM
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Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy has sparked intense speculation. The Indian spin icon announced his shocking retirement from international cricket after he was selected for just one of the first three Tests on the Australia tour.
Adding to the drama, former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary claimed Ravichandran Ashwin felt "insulted," while the former bowling coach Bharat Arun described the situation as "hurtful." Many former cricketers claimed there is a dark mystery behind the former spin all-rounder’s sudden call.
Ravichandran Ashwin breaks silence on mid-series retirement in Australia
Now, Ravichandran Ashwin has finally broken his silence and addressed the rumors about his sudden decision to retire from international cricket in the middle of the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 that Australia won by a 3-1 scoreline against Team India earlier this month.
The former off-spinner revealed that the decision came instinctively during a time when he felt he had lost his creativity, so there is no point in speculating about the reasons behind his exit. Ashwin also emphasized that not every ending needs drama, but it can simply mark a new beginning.
I thought I lost my creativity: Ravichandran Ashwin on his sudden retirement
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’: “I needed this break. I left the series midway. I did not talk much about cricket, though I did post a few things on X after the Sydney and Melbourne Tests. I did not talk about retirement because I was in the dressing room, and it was very important for me to respect the sanctum of the dressing room.”
He added, “The fan war is very toxic nowadays. You should know that sometimes it is done instinctively. People are saying many things, but there is nothing like that. At that time, I thought I lost my creativity. Endings can be happy also. There is no reason to speculate much.”
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts on not having a farewell match. The former all-rounder has made it clear that he values honesty over grand gestures. He stressed that there is no significance to a farewell match if a player isn’t deserving of a spot on the team.
It's always better to stop when people ask why and not why not: Ashwin
One of the iconic Test bowlers said that he wanted to leave cricket on a high note in every aspect and that’s why he felt the time was great to say goodbye to the international arena. He also noted that it is always better to retire before people start wondering “why now” rather than “why not.”
Ashwin signed off by saying, “I personally believe that there is nothing important in having a farewell match. I just want to be honest. Just think, if I get a farewell Test but I am not deserving of a place in the side, I will not be happy. Mere cricket Mein Dum Tha, but I think it's always better to stop when people ask why and not why not.”
Notably, Ashwin, who will continue to play domestic cricket, finished his international career as India's second-highest wicket-taker across all formats, trailing only the legendary Anil Kumble. He has taken 537 wickets in 106 Tests, 156 wickets in 116 ODIs, and 72 wickets in 65 T20Is for India.
