R Ashwin stunned the globe during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series by announcing his retirement from international cricket during the third Test. He appeared in only the second Test of the five-match tour before being dropped for the third, held at The Gabba in Brisbane.
After 14 years of international cricket, Ashwin has played 287 matches across forms and taken 765 wickets. In Test cricket, he took 537 wickets, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Anil Kumble.
During a recent conversation with former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid, Ashwin revealed that the prospect of retirement had been on his thoughts for some time. However, he eventually made the decision after becoming dissatisfied with having to sit on abroad trips. Ashwin felt it was best for him to spend time with his family rather than warming the bench.
“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, during the latest episode of his YouTube series Kutti Stories
“But going on tours, and you know, having to just sit out a lot more, eventually got to me. 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,” the legendary off-spinner revealed.
I always decided that I would retire at 34-35: R Ashwin
Ashwin said that he always wanted to retire when he was 34-35 years old. He eventually played till 38. However, Ashwin continues playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“In my head, I always decided that I would retire at 34-35,” the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) off-spinner mentioned.
In IPL 2025, Ashwin played nine matches for the Men in Yellow and picked up seven wickets at an average of 40.43 and an economy rate of 9.13.
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