BGT 2024-25: Ashwin’s father drops a bombshell! What he said about his son’s cricketing future?
Xtra Time Web Desk: Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden decision to retire from international cricket during India’s ongoing tour of Australia has sparked speculation. According to his father, Ravichandran, the veteran cricketer’s exit might have been driven by more than just physical wear and tear—it could have stemmed from prolonged humiliation.
Ravichandran revealed that Ashwin’s retirement announcement caught even his family off guard.
“I too came to know last minute, actually," Ravichandran told CNN News18. “What was going on in his mind I don’t know. He just announced. I too accepted it with full pleasure. I did not have any feeling at all for that. But the way he gave his retirement, one part I was very happy, another part not happy because he should have continued."
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While he refrained from stating a definitive reason, Ravichandran hinted that Ashwin’s irregular selection in the playing XI despite his impressive track record may have played a role.
“Retirement was his wish and desire; I cannot interfere. But maybe humiliation was a factor,” he suggested.
India’s captain Rohit Sharma also weighed in on the matter, stating that Ashwin had been considering retirement for some time. Sharma revealed that he had persuaded the off-spinner to delay his decision until after the Adelaide Oval day-night Test against Australia.
The decision shocked Ashwin’s family, though they weren’t entirely unprepared.
“After 14-15 years of being on the field, the sudden retirement was a shock. But we expected it because the humiliation had been ongoing. How long could he endure it? Perhaps he reached his breaking point,” Ravichandran said.
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Ashwin concludes his illustrious international career with 765 wickets across formats, making him India’s second-most successful Test bowler.
Reflecting on his son’s journey, Ravichandran said he played a limited role in shaping Ashwin’s cricket career.
“I used to take him to practice on my bike, but I didn’t involve myself much in his cricket. I encouraged him to focus on both studies and cricket. The rest was his effort—his intelligence and brilliance brought him this far,” he concluded.
