Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s leading off-spinner with 500 Test wickets, has spoken out about a significant comment by his father, Ravichandran, following Ashwin’s unexpected retirement from international cricket. Ashwin retired after the third Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in a draw in Brisbane, leaving two Tests remaining in the series. Despite being the world’s highest Test wicket-taker among active players with 537 wickets, Ashwin announced right after the match that he would no longer participate in international cricket.
On 19 December, his father suggested that “humiliation” might have influenced the abrupt decision. Ashwin was selected for only one of the three tests in the ongoing series.
Ravichandran shared his thoughts in an interview with private news media, saying, “There’s no doubt it was emotional for the family, considering he had been on the field for almost 14-15 years. The sudden retirement was a shock, but at the same time, we also expected it due to the humiliation he faced. How long could he tolerate that? Perhaps he made the decision on his own.”
He added, “I found out at the last minute. What was going through his mind, I don’t know. He just announced it, and I accepted it with complete understanding. While one part of me was happy, another part wasn’t, as I felt he should have continued.”
Ravichandran emphasized, “Ultimately, it’s Ashwin’s choice, and I cannot interfere with that. But there could be several reasons behind the way he announced his retirement. Only Ashwin knows, maybe it was due to the humiliation he endured.”
The comment to the private media channel quickly gained traction, sparking widespread speculation and various narratives. Soon “All in All” commentator Sumanth Raman barged in, asking Ashwin, “@ashwinravi99, dad says humiliation was going on and how long could he be expected to tolerate it?”
@ashwinravi99 dad says humiliation was going on and how long could he be expected to tolerate it? https://t.co/JwHm5mTPsc
— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) December 19, 2024
Ashwin breaking his silence on the statement by his father gave his befitting reply with humor stated, “My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam. I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of “dad statements.” Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone.”
My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam 😂😂.
I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of “dad statements” .🤣
Request you all to forgive him and leave him alone 🙏 https://t.co/Y1GFEwJsVc
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 19, 2024
Upon his arrival in Chennai on 19 December, Ashwin reassured his fans, giving them a boost by confirming that he wasn’t done with cricket. Speaking to the media, he confirmed that he would continue to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming Indian Premier League season. “I am going to play for CSK. Don’t be surprised if I aim to play for as long as I can. I don’t think Ashwin the cricketer is done, but Ashwin the Indian cricketer has probably called it a day. That’s it,” Ashwin said.
(With inputs from NDTV)
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