Ravichandran Ashwin Addresses Retirement Rumors, Responds to Father’s Controversial Remarks, Cricketing Legends Greeted His Masterclass Career

Ravichandran Ashwin, the world’s leading active wicket-taker in Test cricket, shocked fans and the cricketing fraternity with his sudden retirement from international cricket after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The star spinner, with 537 Test dismissals, announced his decision following the drawn Gabba Test against Australia on December 18, flying back to Chennai that same day.

Amid speculations about his abrupt decision, Ashwin’s father, Ravichandran, made an emotional statement, hinting at “humiliation” as a possible reason. This remark fueled rumors of discord within the Indian team, especially since Ashwin had been overlooked for overseas Tests in favor of Ravindra Jadeja. He questioned:

How long can he just tolerate all those things?

In response, Ashwin addressed the controversy with characteristic humor on social media. He tweeted:

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

Reflecting on his career, Ashwin also shared a cherished moment from his last day in cricket, posting a screenshot of a call log featuring cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev. He tweeted:

If someone told me 25 years ago that I would have a smartphone with me and the call log on the last day of my career as an Indian cricketer would look like this ☺️☺️, I would have had a heart attack then only. Thanks, @sachin_rt and @therealkapildev paaji🙏🙏 #blessed.

Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of a celebrated chapter in Indian cricket, leaving fans reminiscing about his stellar contributions while respecting his decision to step away.