Ravichandran Ashwin sat down with Rahul Dravid on his YouTube series Kutti Stories and revealed the real reasons behind his sudden retirement from Test cricket in December 2024. The off-spinner, India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, said the decision had more to do with personal priorities than anything else.
Why Ashwin Walked Away Mid-Series
When Dravid asked him about the abrupt announcement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane, Ashwin admitted that sitting out of matches eventually pushed him toward the decision.
“Going on tours and having to sit out a lot more eventually got to me,” Ashwin explained. “I think it was just the time, and where I stood in my life. I was pretty old, I must admit,” he added with a laugh.
Family Over Cricket Commitments
Ashwin confessed that spending more time with his family became a key factor. “It wasn’t about not wanting to contribute, but I kept asking myself — if I would rather be at home with my children, what am I actually doing?” he said. The 37-year-old clarified that his choice wasn’t linked to team politics or grudges, but a personal call to focus on family.
A Retirement Always in Mind
The veteran revealed he had always imagined stepping away at 34-35. While he retired from international cricket during the Gabba Test, Ashwin made it clear he isn’t done with the game altogether. He expressed interest in continuing with domestic cricket, which offers more flexibility and balance.
Rediscovering Passion Through a Break
Ashwin also credited Dravid for advice that resonated deeply. “Sometimes, being there in a certain situation and withdrawing yourself, giving yourself a break from the whole environment can trigger your passion once again to come back,” Dravid told him. Ashwin agreed, saying a break would help him reconnect with cricket on his own terms.
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