In a move that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024. This decision came as a surprise to many, including his own father, R Ashwin, who learned of the retirement only at the last minute. Speaking to CNN News18, Ravichandran expressed a mix of emotions, highlighting the shock and the underlying sense of inevitability that accompanied his son’s decision.
“I too came to know last minute, actually. That 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,” Ravichandran shared. His words painted a picture of a father caught between pride for his son’s illustrious career and regret over its abrupt end.
The heart of the matter, as Ravichandran subtly suggested, might be rooted in the treatment R Ashwin received within the team. With a career that boasts 537 Test wickets, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format, Ashwin’s exclusion from regular play seemed inexplicable to many, including his father. “(Retiring) is his (Ashwin’s) wish and desire, I cannot interfere in that, but how he gave that, there could be many reasons. Only Ashwin knows, maybe humiliation,” Ravichandran pondered, hinting at a deeper, perhaps more personal reason for Ashwin’s retirement.
The narrative of “humiliation” was not just a fleeting remark but seemed to resonate with Ravichandran’s understanding of his son’s experience over the last few years. The cricket community has often debated the selection policies, especially concerning Ashwin’s sporadic appearances in the playing XI, despite his consistent performances. This pattern of being sidelined, particularly in overseas conditions where his skills could have been pivotal, might have contributed to a sense of undervaluation and discomfort.
The emotional impact on Ashwin’s family was palpable. “Definitely, no doubt about it (being emotional for the family), because he was on the field for 14-15 years. The sudden change – retirement – gave us really kind of a shock. At the same time, we were expecting it because humiliation was going on. How long can he tolerate all those things? Probably, he would have decided on his own,” Ravichandran reflected, indicating a long-building tension that culminated in Ashwin’s decision to step away from the international arena.
Despite the emotional undercurrents of his retirement, Ashwin’s journey in cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. His father, who played a more supportive than directive role in his son’s career, reminisced about the humble beginnings. “I used to take him by bike and drop him off for practice. I did not get involved much in his cricket. What I did was to encourage him to focus on both studies and cricket. At home I used to talk to him that’s all. Rest he did it (on his own). I did not do anything because of his intelligence and brilliance he came up on his own. I did not help him that much in cricket, but on his own and with his brain work, he did everything (by himself),” Ravichandran explained. This narrative underscores Ashwin’s self-made success, driven by his own merit and dedication rather than external pushes or privileges.
Ashwin’s retirement is not just the end of a player’s career but the closure of an era where skill, strategic thinking, and innovation were at the forefront of Indian cricket. His legacy includes not only his wickets but also how he changed the game with his variations, his approach to different conditions, and his relentless work ethic. His absence will leave a void in the Indian cricket team, both in terms of performance and in the spirit of innovation he brought to the squad.
As the cricketing world comes to terms with this sudden departure, the discussions will likely focus on how future selections and player management can prevent similar feelings of humiliation among players. Ashwin’s case might serve as a wake-up call for cricket administrators to ensure that every player, particularly those with such distinguished records, feels valued and integral to the team’s strategy.
R Ashwin’s retirement is a poignant reminder of the human aspect behind the sports stars we celebrate. It highlights the need for respect, recognition, and psychological well-being in professional sports, where the line between personal achievement and team dynamics can often be blurred. As R Ashwin moves on to potentially explore club cricket or other avenues within the sport, his story will be remembered not just for the balls he bowled but for the quiet dignity with which he chose to bow out of the international stage.
