“Not A Rash Call”: Teammate Shares New Insights on Ravichandran Ashwin’s Sudden Retirement

Former India batter Abhinav Mukund penned a heartfelt tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin following his sudden retirement from international cricket. Mukund lauded Ashwin as a “thinking cricketer” whose sharp mind and constant curiosity set him apart. Ashwin, one of India’s finest off-spinners, retired immediately after the third Test against Australia at the Gabba, concluding a 14-year international career. He amassed 537 wickets in 106 Tests, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumble. His record includes 37 five-wicket hauls, the second-most in Test history, and eight ten-wicket hauls. With the bat, Ashwin contributed six centuries and 14 fifties in Tests.”Not A Rash Call”: Teammate Shares New Insights on Ravichandran Ashwin’s Sudden Retirement.

Ashwin’s illustrious career spanned across formats, with 156 wickets in 116 ODIs, including being part of India’s victorious 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy teams. He also played 65 T20Is, claiming 72 wickets. Despite these achievements, Mukund emphasized that Ashwin’s decision to retire was well thought out, not impulsive. Mukund recounted a moment during India’s Test against Bangladesh in Chennai when Ashwin celebrated a century with his family in attendance, suggesting this marked the beginning of his contemplation about stepping away from the game.

Mukund shared a personal anecdote where Ashwin’s focus on his family over his century celebrations revealed his shifting priorities. “You could tell family time meant more to him than field achievements,” Mukund wrote, highlighting how Ashwin’s journey had been marked by mental and physical challenges, including long periods of solitude in hotel rooms during tours. “Not A Rash Call”: Teammate Shares New Insights on Ravichandran Ashwin’s Sudden Retirement.

Ashwin’s career accomplishments are extraordinary, but Mukund underscored that Ashwin’s legacy goes beyond records. He described him as a “middle-class boy” who wasn’t genetically gifted but achieved greatness through intelligence, innovation, and relentless hard work. Ashwin, Mukund noted, serves as an inspiration to millions of middle-class youth, proving that success is attainable through determination and smart effort.”Not A Rash Call”: Teammate Shares New Insights on Ravichandran Ashwin’s Sudden Retirement.

Mukund also reminisced about Ashwin’s engaging personality during Ranji Trophy bus rides and their club cricket days. He recalled Ashwin organizing games of Mafia with teammates and crafting mock IPL drafts with pen and paper, showcasing his restless intellect. “Ashwin is like your latest smartphone; his software is always up to date,” Mukund wrote, celebrating his friend’s ability to adapt and surprise.

Although Ashwin has retired from international cricket, he will continue playing in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, further enriching his storied cricketing journey.