Ravichandran Ashwin’s father reveals that his son was forced to retire from international cricket due to ‘humiliation’.
The mystery surrounding Ravichandran Ashwin’s international retirement deepens as the Indian all-rounder returned home from Australia on Thursday. Ashwin, who stunned the cricket world with his sudden retirement announcement, received a heartfelt welcome at Chennai airport. His parents, who greeted him with tears in their eyes, admitted that the news came as a shock to them just as it did to millions of fans worldwide.
Ashwin’s father suggested that ‘humiliation’ might have been a factor behind the Test legend’s abrupt decision to retire from international cricket.
“I only found out at the last minute,” Ashwin’s father told News18. “I’m not sure what was going through his mind—he just announced it. I accepted it wholeheartedly. While one part of me was happy, another part felt he should have continued.”
He further added, “(Retiring) is his choice, his desire—I cannot interfere. But the way he announced it, there could be several reasons. Only Ashwin knows; perhaps humiliation played a role.”
The sudden decision was an emotional moment for the family. “No doubt about it—it was emotional for all of us because he was on the field for 14-15 years. The sudden retirement shocked us,” Ashwin’s father said.
Ashwin, who has been at the pinnacle of his career, especially in Test cricket, retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker across formats. His father hinted that Ashwin might have continued playing if not for the ‘humiliation’ he endured.
“How long can someone tolerate such things? Probably, he made the decision on his own,” he concluded.
Ashwin played only the pink-ball Test against Australia, stepping in for Washington Sundar, who was preferred for the opening match in Perth. In the third Test at Brisbane, Ashwin was benched again, with Ravindra Jadeja taking his place in the XI.
The message from the team management was clear: Ashwin was no longer India’s top-choice spinner in Tests.
