New Delhi: Legendary spinner R Ashwin shocked the cricketing world last week by announcing his surprise retirement from international cricket midway through the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Ashwin retired from all formats of the game after the conclusion of the 3rd Test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Ashwin’s retirement took many by surprise considering he was performing well for the team and was expected to continue playing for at least a couple of years given his fitness and skills. However, Ashwin decided to draw curtains on a glorious career and retired as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 wickets from 106 matches, only behind the legendary Anil Kumble.
Speculations went viral after Ashwin’s retirement that India head coach Gautam Gambhir had a role to play in the veteran spinner’s decision. Rumours suggested that Gambhir held a discussion with Ashwin where the spinner was told that he was no longer in the team’s plans for the remainder of the Test series against Australia which forced Ashwin to quit.
However, Ashwin has himself responded to the rumours now and issued a clarification on his decision to retire. The spinner said the decision to call it quits was entirely his and that no other person was involved in the decision-making. He said no one is responsible for his retirement and he doesn’t regret his decision to quit international cricket.
“I quit this part of my life. It was a full stop to that part of my life. I can talk cricket, I do YouTube, I love coaching. I can keep myself happy around cricket. I will stay connected with cricket,” Ashwin told television presenter Gobinath on his YouTube show.
“I don’t have any regrets; I am not angry at anyone. I didn’t cry even one bit. No one else is responsible for my retirement. If there’s someone, I am not aware of it,” he added.
Grand farewells are wrong: R Ashwin
Ashwin also reacted to former India captain Kapil Dev’s statement, who had voiced his disappointment over the spinner not getting a fitting farewell on his retirement. Kapil said had he been part of the BCCI, he would have ensured Ashwin got a well-deserved send-off for his services to the Indian cricket team.
However, Ashwin said he his against the idea of grand farewells and doesn’t endore the culture of hero worshipping. The spinner said no one should get grand farewells.
“As far as I am concerned, grand farewells are wrong. I don’t think you should give grand farewell ceremonies to anyone. Especially, I firmly believe that you shouldn’t give me a grand farewell. I don’t want anyone shedding a drop of tear for me. I think grand send-offs are part of a super celebrity culture,” he said on the show.
While he has retired from international cricket, Ashwin will continue to play domestic cricket and will also represent Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 next year. Ashwin will reunite with CSK after being bought for Rs 9.75 crore by the five-time champions in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Former India spinner R Ashwin cleared the air regarding rumours that head coach Gautam Gambhir played a role in his retirement from international cricket. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
