Picture Credit: X
India’s spinning ace Ravichandran Ashwin opened up about his retirement from international cricket. Ashwin, the number one Test bowler in ICC rankings, will make his return to the squad as India is set to clash against Bangladesh in the two-match Test series. The first match of the series will begin on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The forthcoming series holds great importance for the two-time WTC finalists in terms of the World Test Championship 2025.
Before the onset of the series, the star spinner talked about his retirement from international cricket. Notably, Ashwin is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. While Ashwin has not officially announced retirement from the white-ball format, he rarely appears in any ODI and T20I match for India.
Thinking about one day at a time: Ravichandran Ashwin on retiring from international cricket
The 37-year-old spoke about calling time on his international career and said that he has no plans to retire at the moment. He said that he would draw curtains on his career when he would not feel the same passion for the game. Ashwin was quoted as saying by News24, “There is nothing like that in my mind. I am thinking about only one day at a time because when you grow up, you must make extra effort every day. It is not the same as before.”
Ashwin also added that the day he would feel that he doesn’t want to improve, he will bring down curtains on his career. He said, “I have worked very hard in the last 3-4 years. The day I feel that I do not want to improve, I will retire. I have not set any targets for myself. Anil Bhai wants me to break his record, but I am happy living every day. I do not want to lose my love for the game by setting a target.”
I know my life changed: Ashwin opens up on difficult phase in career
The Rajasthan Royals bowler also talked about his difficult phase between 2018 and 2020. During that phase, injuries and his form slump kept him out and forced him to think about his future. Ashwin said, “I know how my life changed after that difficult period. I am maintaining my joy of cricket and the moment I feel that I am losing it, I will leave this game. We all play, and we all have to retire one day. Someone else will come and do well. This is Indian cricket.”
