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Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has finally opened up about the reasons behind his sudden retirement from international cricket.
Ashwin shocked the cricket fans across the globe when he announced his retirement in December 2024, midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
He announced his decision during the post-match press conference after the rain-affected third Test in Brisbane, which concluded in a draw.
Recently, in a YouTube podcast, he revealed that the thought of retirement had been lingering in his mind for some time. Still, the lack of playing opportunities during the away series eventually prompted him to step aside.
“I think it was just the time, and where I stood in my life, right? I must admit, I think I was quite old,” he said.
“But going on tours, and having to just sit out a lot more, eventually got to me.
“Not in terms of not wanting to contribute to the team, but you’re thinking, ‘Would I rather be at home, spending time with my children?’ They are also growing up, and what am I actually doing?”
Ravichandran Ashwin further revealed that he had initially planned to retire much earlier.
“In my head, I always decided that I would retire at 34-35,” he admitted, but he went on to extend his career until 38.
It’s worth noting that Ashwin has only retired from international cricket, and he continues to feature in the IPL, representing Chennai Super Kings.
In IPL 2025, he turned out in nine games, picking seven wickets at an average of 40.43 with an economy rate of 9.13.
He has been one of the IPL’s consistent performers, with 187 wickets and 833 runs across 221 matches.
Bought back by CSK in 2024 for INR 9.75 crore, the move marked a homecoming after nearly a decade away.
He had represented Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals during his time away from the franchise before reuniting with MS Dhoni’s side, where he first made his IPL breakthrough between 2008 and 2015.
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