Ravichandran Ashwin has addressed a significant statement made by his father, Ravichandran, just a day after the star spinner announced his sudden retirement from international cricket. With two Tests remaining in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin decided to step away from international cricket following the drawn third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane. The ace spinner, who holds the record as the highest Test wicket-taker among active players with 537 dismissals, made the announcement immediately after the match.
Ashwin’s father, Ravichandran, on Thursday, suggested that “humiliation” might have played a role in his son’s unexpected decision. So far, Ashwin had only been selected for one of the three Tests in the series.
“There’s no doubt this is an emotional moment for the family, as he was on the field for nearly 14-15 years. His sudden decision and retirement came as a shock, though we were somewhat expecting it due to the ongoing humiliation. How long could he tolerate such things? Perhaps he made this decision independently,” Ravichandran shared with News18.
He added, “I, too, found out at the last minute. I’m not sure what was going on in his mind, but he simply announced it. While I accepted his decision with full support, I had mixed feelings. On one hand, I was happy for him; on the other, I wished he had continued.”
On the reasons behind the retirement, he said, “It’s his choice and desire; I cannot interfere. But there might have been many factors at play. Only Ashwin knows. Maybe humiliation was one of them.”
Reacting to his father’s comments, Ashwin took to social media platform X to clarify his stance and humorously address the situation. “My dad isn’t media-trained. Dey, father enna da ithelaam! I never expected you to join this rich tradition of ‘dad statements.’ I kindly request everyone to forgive him and leave him alone,” Ashwin wrote.