Team India is gearing up to return to international cricket after an extended hiatus, with a crucial two-match Test series against Bangladesh set to commence on September 19. This series is not just another set of matches; it holds significant importance for India in terms of their aspirations in the World Test Championship. Amidst this backdrop, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared insights regarding his retirement plans, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts curious about his future in the sport.
Ashwin Opens Up About His Retirement Plans
In a candid conversation with Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin addressed the topic of retirement with refreshing honesty. He emphasized that the thought of retirement is not prominent in his mind right now. Instead, he focuses on enjoying each day and the process of improving his game. Ashwin articulated, “There is nothing like that in my mind. I only think about one day at a time. Because when you get older, you have to work harder every day. It is not the same as before. I have worked very hard in the last 3-4 years. I have not decided to retire yet, but the day I feel that I do not want to improve, I will retire.”
As Ashwin approaches his 38th birthday on September 17, he reflected on the transformative period he experienced from 2018 to 2020, which reshaped his outlook on cricket. Speaking about the possibility of playing until the age of 40, he mentioned, “I know how my life changed after that difficult period. I am just maintaining my joy towards cricket and the moment I feel that I am losing it, I will move away from it. We all play and we all have to leave. Someone else will come and do well. This is Indian cricket.”
Chasing Records: Ashwin’s Pursuit of Greatness
With his illustrious career so far, Ashwin has played 100 Test matches for India, claiming 516 wickets, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for the nation, trailing behind Anil Kumble, who holds the record with 619 wickets. When asked about breaking Kumble’s record, Ashwin shared a refreshing perspective. “I have not set any target for myself. Anil bhai wants me to break his record, but I am happy living every day. I do not want to lose my love for the game by setting a target.”
As Ashwin continues to navigate his cricketing journey, fans and followers are keenly watching to see how he balances his passion for the game with the realities that come with age and experience. His willingness to stay focused on self-improvement and enjoyment offers a glimpse into the mindset of one of cricket’s contemporary greats.
