After Ravichandran Ashwin announced his sudden retirement from international cricket, his wife, Prithi Narayanan, shared an emotional tribute reflecting on her journey alongside one of the greatest cricketers of the generation. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Prithi expressed the privilege of witnessing Ashwin’s incredible career up close, highlighting his dedication, hard work, and resilience.
“For two days, I’ve been trying to find the right words. Should this be a tribute to my favorite cricketer, a partner’s perspective, or a fan girl’s love letter? Perhaps, it’s a mix of all three,” Prithi wrote. She reassured Ashwin as he ended his illustrious international career, saying, “It’s all good. It’s time to set the burden of being you down. Live life on your terms—make space for those extra calories, spend more time with family, do absolutely nothing, share memes, or even invent a new bowling variation. Just do it all.”
Reflecting on their shared memories, Prithi described small and significant moments from their 13-14 years together: the triumphs, like the Champions Trophy win, the Gabba victory, and the Sydney draw; the heartbreaks; and the quieter moments—the post-match silence, long showers, penciled thoughts, and the songs Ashwin played on repeat to unwind.
Prithi also reminisced about their journey as a couple, from learning how to pack a cricket kit to traveling worldwide to support him. “From stadiums to living rooms, it’s been an absolute pleasure watching you play,” she shared, adding that witnessing Ashwin’s journey gave her a deeper appreciation for the sport and the immense effort required to excel at the highest level.
She highlighted Ashwin’s unwavering commitment to staying relevant, noting how his passion and discipline pushed him to constantly sharpen his skills. “We often talked about why you had to do so much more—beyond the stats, records, and accolades—to prove yourself repeatedly. Sometimes, even that wasn’t enough,” she wrote.
As Ashwin transitions into this new chapter, Prithi’s tribute captured the essence of his legacy, not just as a cricketer but as a devoted family man and an inspiration to countless fans. Her post celebrated Ashwin’s achievements on and off the field, painting a picture of an extraordinary career that required extraordinary effort, resilience, and love.
