Ravichandran, father of cricketer R Ashwin, revealed that the off-spinner’s decision to retire from international cricket caught their family by surprise. While Ravichandran expressed his wish for Ashwin to continue representing the Indian senior team, he also hinted that his son’s feelings of humiliation could have influenced his sudden retirement.
However, he did not go into specifics, although his comments seemed to refer to Ashwin’s lack of consistent opportunities, particularly in international Test matches.
On Wednesday, Ashwin made the announcement about his retirement midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, shortly after the third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane. He then returned to Chennai earlier today.
Ravichandran told a section of the media, “At the same time, we were expecting that also because humiliation was going on. How long he can just tolerate all those things? Probably, he would have decided on his own.”
Asked about the emotional impact of Ashwin’s announcement, Ravichandran acknowledged that it was a shocking moment for the family.
“Of course, we were emotional. He had been playing for 14-15 years and a sudden decision like this was unexpected. But at the same time, we sensed this could happen, given the ongoing humiliation. How long could he endure it? I think he made this decision on his own,” he said.
Throughout Ashwin’s career, Ravichandran has been a strong pillar of support. A former club-level fast bowler, Ravichandran encouraged his son to pursue cricket, especially when Ashwin switched from being a batter to an off-spinner to break into Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy team.
While Ravichandran has accepted his son’s decision, he admitted that he had hoped Ashwin would continue to represent India.
“I don’t know what was going on in his mind when he made the announcement. I accepted it calmly, without much emotion. However, the way it was done left me with mixed feelings. Part of me is happy, but another part wishes he had continued playing,” he said.
Ashwin chose not to join the team for the final two Tests of the series, which will be held in Melbourne and Sydney—venues known to offer more assistance to spinners.
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