R Ashwin reveals reason behind sudden retirement: Sitting out of the team got to me

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has finally opened up about his sudden retirement from international cricket after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba in Brisbane in December 2024. In the latest episode of his YouTube series Kutti Stories, the 38-year-old, sharing the screen with former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid, explained the emotions and reasons behind his decision.

Ashwin’s retirement came as a sudden shock to cricket fans around the world, considering that the announcement was made mid-way through an overseas series. The off-spinner, who scalped 537 wickets during his 13-year Test cricket stint, said the move had been on his mind for a while but became unavoidable as he reached a stage where personal priorities became very important.

“I think it was just the time, and where I stood in my life, right? I think I was pretty old, I must admit,” Ashwin said with a laugh when asked by Dravid, before revealing what really led to the call.

As it is obvious for teams touring overseas to carry a pace-heavy bowling department, it was steadily becoming tougher for Ashwin to find a spot in the playing eleven. The 38-year-old admitted that he eventually got fed up of not playing.

“But going on tours, and you know, having to just sit out a lot more, eventually got to me,” he shared.

When it comes to bowling in subcontinent countries, the Tamil Nadu born cricketer was nothing short of extraordinary. His mastery and controlled yet diverse variations with the ball often left opponents clueless, while his valuable batting contributions down the order were a cherry on the cake to his brilliant all-round skills.

However, he revealed that his family role also played a big part in him coming to this decision. “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?” he said, calling it a moment of realisation.

I always decided that I would retire at 34-35: Ashwin

The veteran, having played 106 Tests, also disclosed that his retirement had always been part of a personal plan. Prior to the five-match Test series in Australia, India locked horns with Bangladesh and New Zealand at home and Ashwin had played all five of these home tests, proof that his contributions at home soil can never be ignored.

He was the prime architect in leading India’s bowling unit and became one of the driving forces behind the team’s ascent to the top and their era of dominance in Test cricket.

“In my head, I always decided that I would retire at 34-35,” he commented.

Dravid related to Ashwin’s experience, saying taking a break can sometimes help players reconnect with the game. Ashwin did agree, adding that he wanted time to 're-establish that connect' with cricket.

Meanwhile, Ashwin was last seen playing competitive cricket for the Dindigul Dragons in the final of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), where his team suffered a heavy defeat by 118 runs. He is currently part of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Recently, after making a statement regarding the signing of Dewald Brevis, he issued a clarification, stating that his comments had been taken out of context following the team’s press release.