Courtesy: BCCI
In a recent episode of the Chennai Super Kings' new podcast ‘Mike Testing 123’, hosted by Michael Hussey, Ravichandran Ashwin opened up about the emotional journey leading to his retirement from Test cricket. Ashwin revealed that he initially considered retiring after his 100th Test match in Dharamsala in March 2024. However, a stellar performance in the subsequent Chennai Test against Bangladesh, where he took a six-wicket haul and scored a century, made it challenging for him to step away. He continued playing through the home season and into the New Zealand series, but the cumulative physical and emotional toll began to weigh heavily on him.
The turning point came during the Australia tour later that year. Ashwin was left out of the playing XI for the first Test in Perth, with Washington Sundar preferred in his place. This decision reignited feelings of uncertainty about his role in the team. He expressed that the recurring cycle of selection doubts and the lack of emotional support made him feel isolated. Talking about the same he said, "People add very little value to what you're going through emotionally."
Ashwin felicitated with Padma Shri by president Droupadi Murmu
Ultimately, Ashwin decided to retire after the third Test at the Gabba, bringing an end to his illustrious career with 537 Test wickets, making him India's second-highest wicket-taker in the format, only behind the legendary Anil Kumble. He emphasised that the desire to spend more time with his family and the mental strain of the game were significant factors in his decision.
Very recently, Ashwin was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 28, 2025. This recognition celebrates Ashwin's exceptional contributions to Indian cricket over a career spanning nearly 15 years. Major highlights of his international career have been the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy victories.
