There was the mandatory shower of flower petals, lots of smiles and a live band too as Ravichandran Ashwin returned home on Thursday after shockingly announcing his retirement on Wednesday midway through the Test series against Australia.
He landed at the Chennai International Airport early this morning and was escorted out by officials of the state cricket association. The 38-year-old didn’t speak to the waiting media as he hopped into his car where his wife Prithi and 2 daughters were waiting for him.
“It’s emotional for a lot of people, and may be it will sink in (in some time) but for me, personally, it is a great sense of relief and satisfaction. It was very instinctive and it has been running in my head for a while. I just felt (it) on Day 4 and I just called it a day,” Ashwin said, referring to the drawn third Test in Brisbane.
Asked if he regretted not being the captain of the national side, Ashwin dismissed the suggestion.
“I can’t do it now. I have no such regrets. In fact, I have zero regrets. I have seen from a distance those people with regrets but I don’t have any such regrets,” Ashwin added.
“I never thought so many people will come here. I just wanted a quiet entry, and was looking forward to relax at home. But you have made my day. I have played Test cricket for so many years, but the last time (I saw something) like this was after the 2011 World Cup,” Ashwin further said.
Ashwin on Wednesday announced retirement with immediate effect in the middle of the five-match Test series that is currently locked 1-1 after three games.
“To be honest, we all go through a lot in our career, not only for cricketers but in general. Generally, when I go to sleep I remember a lot of things like taking wickets, making runs, but those memories are not there in the last two years. So, that was a clear indication that we need to take a different route now,” Ashwin said.
“I have not set any new goals, as I just want to relax now. Actually, it’s difficult for me to stay inactive, but I want to try that now,” Ashwin added.
After announcing his retirement, Ashwin also stated that he will continue to play club cricket and will also feature for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL next year.
“I think that part for me is still burning bright. I am going to play for CSK and don’t be surprised if I aspire to play for as long as I can. I don’t think Ashwin the cricketer is done, I think only Ashwin the Indian cricketer called time. That’s it,” Ashwin concluded.
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