Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Ravichandran Ashwinone of India’s top spinners, recently opened up about his decision not to play a farewell Test. The 37-year-old announced his retirement from Test cricket during Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25ending a glorious career that saw him rewrite record books and become one of the most prolific bowlers in the history of the game. Speaking on his show, Ash Ki BaatAshwin explained why he chose not to pursue a ceremonial farewell match, a tradition many cricketers cherish.
Ravichandran Ashwin explains the reason for not opting for a farewell Test
Ashwin explained that he values honesty and merit over ceremonial gestures, stating that a farewell match is of no importance to him if he does not truly deserve a place in the team. He stressed that playing just for a farewell would leave him unsatisfied as it would undermine his philosophy of cricket. Ashwin believes in retiring at a point where people ask ‘why’ he is retiring, rather than ‘why not’, reflecting his desire to leave the game on a high note and with dignity.
“Personally I think there is nothing important to have a farewell match. I just want to be honest. Just think, if I get a bye test but I’m not deserving of a place next door, I won’t be happy. Just cricket mein dum tha, but I think it’s always better to stop when people ask why and not why not.” Ashwin said.
Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin caught off guard in weird exchange with Ritika Sajdeh impersonator
A glorious test run to remember
Ashwin’s retirement brings the curtain down on a phenomenal Test career that spanned more than a decade. The spinner finished with 537 wickets in 106 Tests, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker in all formats behind the legendary. Anil Kumble.
Known for his sharp cricketing mind and uncanny ability to adapt to the conditions, Ashwin played a pivotal role in India’s dominance in home conditions and several historic victories abroad. His contributions with the bat, including five centuries, added significant value to the team.
