R Ashwin Reveals What Made Him Contemplate Retirement: "When I Didn't Start In Perth..."
Former Indian cricket team spinner R Ashwin finally revealed what led to his international retirement midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Ashwin decided to announce his retirement after the third Test match at The Gabba - a decision that took the cricketing world by surprise. During an interaction on the Mike Testing 1, 2, 3' podcast, Ashwin said that he wanted to retire after the Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai where he scored a century and claimed a six-wicket haul. However, he decided to prolong his career due to his good form and sensational run of results.
'To be very honest, I wanted to do it after my 100th Test. And then I thought, Ok, let me give it a go in the home season. Because, I mean, you're playing well, and you're getting wickets, you're making runs," Ashwin told CSK batting coach Michael Hussey in the podcast.
"I thought it does make sense to play a bit. I was having a lot of fun, but the whole hard yards that I had to put through to put myself in the park again, physically and mentally, one of the most important things that was pulling me down was the family time," he added.
Ashwin further claimed that not playing the first Test match against Australia in Perth took an emotional toll on him and that also indirectly led to him considering retirement from international cricket.
"I thought I'd probably close off with the Chennai Test here. I ended up getting a six-wicket haul and a hundred. So it's very tough to quit when you're doing very well. So, I went on with the series, and we lost against New Zealand. So, one after the other, it was just building up. And then I thought, okay, let me go to Australia. Let me see how this goes. Because the last time I was in Australia, I had a great, great tour," said Ashwin.
"And when I didn't start in Perth, it was like, okay, this whole circle keeps going again. People add very little value to what you're going through emotionally. They don't really consider that because your emotions are yours, and it doesn't matter to anybody else. So I had been contemplating that, and then I thought, okay, maybe it is time," he added.
Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Virat Kohli's playbook for life: 3 books that shaped his mindset beyond cricket
Written by Chanakya Chandrupatla Virat Kohli, one of cricket's most celebrated players, made his debut for the Indian Cricket Team on 18th August 2008—the same year he was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League. Known for his explosive batting, unmatched fitness, and aggressive tactics, Kohli has consistently kept opponents on the back foot, challenging their abilities at every turn. Beyond the cricket field, Kohli is also an avid reader who often shares books that have influenced his mindset and personal growth. Here are some of his top recommendations: The 'Autobiography of a Yogi' A spiritual classic published in 1946, this autobiography delves into the teachings of Kriya Yoga and the life of Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda. Kohli has mentioned in interviews that the book had a profound impact on his life, calling it a must-read for those open to challenging their thoughts and ideologies. Yogananda was among the first Indian spiritual teachers to settle in the United States, and his book has sold over four million copies worldwide. Notably, he was also one of the first prominent Indians to be hosted at the White House by President Calvin Coolidge. Detox Your Ego: 7 easy steps to achieving freedom, happiness and success in your life The book speaks about one's ego and how does it stop one from performing at their best. The book takes you on a ride and talks the importance of self-discovery. The author talks bout steps to eliminate ego and the ways to achieve freedom, happiness and success in one's life. Kohli said that the book has helped him to control his emotions and stay grounded. The books talks about how a leader should guide without having ego. The book proposes ' Leadership without ego '. It guides the reader by suggesting seven steps to lead a happier, freer and more enhanced life. A fascinating exploration of cross-cultural inspiration, this book aligns with Kohli's own journey of growth and adaptability. It features 70 prominent Indians and Italians sharing their experiences, highlighting the importance of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and peak performance. Through personal anecdotes, the book showcases the mutual influence between the two cultures, making it a compelling read for those interested in global perspectives. ( Chanakya Chandrupatla is an intern at the Indian Express )
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
IND vs ENG: Gill, Gambhir repose faith in India's pacers
The Indian team management is yet to decide which Tests Jasprit Bumrah will feature in during the five-match series in England, but head coach Gautam Gambhir and newly-appointed captain Shubman Gill made it clear that there's enough depth in its pace attack. 'We haven't taken that call, which three games is he going to play,' Gambhir said on Thursday. 'We are going to have a discussion with him and (it will) depend on the series as well. A lot will depend on the results of the series, where the series is heading. That is something which I am sure he is very well aware of as well and that is important.' While announcing the squad for the series last month, the chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, said that Bumrah had been advised by medical staff not to risk playing back-to-back Tests. The decision was taken considering his workload management in the wake of his back injury during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney in January. But Gambhir believes that this will also be an opportunity for the pace attack, comprising Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh and Shardul Thakur to stand up and deliver. 'I have said it before during the Champions Trophy (which Bumrah missed) as well, it will give someone the opportunity to put his hand up and we have got enough talent there. I know that he is quality but we have got enough quality apart from him as well in the squad,' the head coach stated. Under the leadership of Gill, the five Tests against England will be India's first in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, and the young captain too believes that there's enough firepower in the bowling department. 'We have picked enough bowlers and we have a good enough pace battery. A lot of fast bowlers are in a great space to be able to win us Test matches from any situation or any position,' Gill said. 'Obviously, when you have someone like him (Bumrah), depending on how many matches he would play, whenever he would come back and play the match for us, it would be a great sight for us,' the captain said. 'But I think we have a great mix of bowlers and a great set of bowlers who can get the job for the team done,' he added. With Bumrah likely to play just three games and no Mohammed Shami in the squad, it certainly will be a huge challenge for the young bowling unit to make an impact in the English conditions, when the action gets underway in Headingley from June 20.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Anderson Peters Headlines Overseas Names In Inaugural NC Classic Entry List
The organisers of the Neeraj Chopra Classic confirmed the 12-man entry list for the inaugural edition of the javelin throw event, slated to be held on the 5th of July at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, on Friday. Anderson Peters, Neeraj Chopra. The event, which was originally scheduled to be held on the 24th of May, but had to be postponed in the aftermath of the armed conflict between India and neighbouring nation Pakistan, promised to pit seven international javelin throwers alongside five Indian athletes, including double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra himself.
