Ignored, Benched, Done: Ashwin Reveals What Finally Broke Him Before Retirement
R Ashwin reveals to Rahul Dravid why he retired in 2024, citing constant benching and family time as key reasons
Ravichandran Ashwin has finally opened up on why he chose to walk away from Test cricket in December 2024.
Speaking on his YouTube series Kutti Stories with guest Rahul Dravid, the legendary off-spinner revealed how sitting out on overseas tours eventually pushed him towards retirement.
Ashwin, India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, admitted that the constant benching despite his performances was mentally draining.
“Going on tours, and you know, having to just sit out a lot more, eventually got to me,” he said. For fans, too, it had been a mystery why one of India’s greatest spinners was often left out depending on conditions.
The 38-year-old announced his retirement during the Gabba Test in Brisbane, a move that caught everyone off guard. But Ashwin explained that it was not about disagreements with the team.
Instead, it was about life outside cricket. “I mean, not in terms of not wanting to contribute to the team, but you’re thinking if I would rather be at home, spending time with children. They are also growing up, and what am I actually doing?” he confessed.
Ashwin also revealed that he had always pictured an early retirement.
“In my head, I always decided that I would retire at 34-35,” he said, though he played slightly longer.
While he stepped away from international cricket, Ashwin made it clear he was not done with the game itself. He said he would continue to play domestic cricket, where the schedule would give him more time with family while keeping him connected to the sport.
Interestingly, Dravid reminded him during their chat that taking a step back sometimes rekindles passion. Ashwin agreed, saying it was important to create space to fall in love with cricket again.
“Sometimes, being there in a certain situation and withdrawing yourself, giving yourself a break from the whole environment can trigger your passion once again to come back,” he said.
Ashwin’s decision may have seemed sudden at the time, but his words show it was the result of long thought, family priorities, and the frustration of being sidelined.
