Ravichandran Ashwinone of India’s greatest off-spinners, recently spoke openly about his decision not to play the farewell Test. The 37-year-old announced his retirement from Test cricket during Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25ending an illustrious career in which he rewrote the record books and became one of the most prolific bowlers in the history of the game. Speaking on his show, Ash Ki BaatAshwin explained why he decided not to go ahead with the ceremonial farewell match, a tradition cherished by many cricketers.
Ravichandran Ashwin explains the reason why he did not opt for the farewell Test
Ashwin explained that he values honesty and merit over ceremonial gestures, stating that a farewell match has no meaning for him if he truly does not deserve a place in the team. He stressed that playing just for the farewell would leave him unsatisfied, as it would undermine his cricketing ethos. Ashwin believes in retiring at a time when people are asking ‘why’ he is retiring and not ‘why not’, reflecting his desire to leave the game on a high note and with dignity.
“Personally, I think there is nothing important in the farewell match. I just want to be honest. Just imagine, if I get a bye test but I don’t deserve a place in the side, I won’t be happy. Just cricket mein dum tha, but I think it’s always better to stop when people ask why, not why not,” Ashwin said.
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A magnificent exam career to remember
Ashwin’s retirement brings the curtain down on a phenomenal Test career that spanned more than a decade. The off-spinner finished with 537 wickets in 106 Tests, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker across all formats, behind the legendary Anil Kumble.
Known for his sharp cricketing mind and uncanny ability to adapt to conditions, Ashwin played a key role in India’s dominance in domestic conditions and several historic overseas victories. His contribution with the bat, including five centuries, added considerable value to the team.
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