Ravichandran Ashwin madly attacks Gautam Gambhir in front of Rahul Dravid

Former Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up about the reasons behind his surprise retirement from international cricket in December 2024. The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer admitted that repeatedly being benched during overseas tours in the latter part of his career led to his retirement.

Ravichandran Ashwin retired midway through the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy after being dropped for the Gabba Test. He finished as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in international cricket. The 38-year-old took 765 wickets in 287 matches at an average of 25.80, including 37 five-wicket hauls.

I Think I Was Pretty Old, I Must Admit - Ravichandran Ashwin

Speaking to former teammate and India head coach Rahul Dravid, Ravichandran Ashwin revealed the reasons behind his retirement from international cricket. The veteran spinner pointed out the relentless travel schedule and the disappointment of not being considered for overseas games.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

“I think it was just the time, and where I stood in my life, right? I think I was pretty old, I must admit. But going on tours, and you know, having to just sit out a lot more, eventually got to me,” the spinner said in the latest episode of Ravichandran Ashwin’s Kutti Stories series on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin was India’s premier spinner in home Tests, but the team management picked Ravindra Jadeja in overseas matches. During the Brisbane Test last year, Jadeja was selected ahead of Ashwin. Ashwin played only the opening match before deciding to retire from international cricket.

I Always Decided That I Would Retire at 34-35 - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran also revealed that family reasons influenced his decision to retire from international cricket. The off-spinner shared that he had long set himself a personal deadline to retire around the age of 34-35.

"I mean, not in terms of not wanting to contribute to the team, but you're thinking if I would rather be at home, spending time with children. They are also growing up, and what am I actually doing?"

"So I just felt like okay... In my head, I always decided that I would retire at 34-35. But just the fact that I could not play a lot in between..." the former India off-spinner went on to add.

Ravichandran Ashwin's Test Career for Team India

Ashwin made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011. The veteran all-rounder took 537 wickets in 106 Tests at an average of 24.00, including 37 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket match hauls.

Ashwin’s 383 wickets in 65 home Tests came at an average of 21.57, including 29 five-fers and six 10-wicket hauls. Away from home conditions, Ashwin still managed 154 scalps in 41 matches at 30.55, including eight five-fers and two 10-wicket match hauls.

With the bat, Ashwin scored 3,503 runs at an average of 25.75, including six centuries and 14 fifties. He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, behind only Anil Kumble’s 619.

Also read: 'Vinod Kambli needs your support' - Brother provides shocking health update, begs public for help