"No one told me that you should go…"- Ravi Ashwin breaks silence on rumours of being forced into retirement

Ravi Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024.

Former Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin has refuted rumours that he was forced into retirement from international cricket by anyone and has clarified that it was his personal decision. He also revealed that some players urged him to play for more time.

The right-arm spinner announced his retirement from international cricket in December 2024 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia. Earlier in August this year, the 39-year-old also announced his retirement from Indian cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

With 537 wickets in 106 tests at an average of 24.0, Ashwin finished his career as the second-highest wicket-taker for India after Anil Kumble (619). The off-spinner also played 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is for India, however, he only featured in test cricket during the final leg of his career.

No one told me that you should go: Ravi Ashwin on his international retirement

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin clarified that no one forced him to pull the curtains down on his international career. He also revealed that former Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir urged him to reconsider his decision.

“No one told me that you should go, no one told me that there is no place for you in the team. Actually before I took the decision 2-3 people told me not to take it but I took my decision. In fact, they wanted me to play more,” he said.

“Rohit Sharma also told me to think about it, Gauti bhai also told me to think again. But I didn’t talk much about it with Ajit Agarkar. The decision is very personal when it comes to retirement. These are all very individual decisions,” he added.

There should be clear communication with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Ashwin

Speaking about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future in Indian cricket, Ashwin said that selectors should have clear communication with both of them. He also added that their experience is very valuable for the team.

“Virat Kohli is a bonafide ODI legend. The way he and Rohit batted in 2023 World Cup, they have nothing to prove. I really hope that the conversation happened. Whatever needs to be discussed with Virat and Rohit Sharma must have happened. There should clear communication with them,” he said.

“I don’t think any selector or coach will have it in them to say that Virat and Rohit’s services are no longer needed. That experience you cannot buy in a store. If there is any doubt as to whether they will be able to make it until the 2027 World Cup, then I think the direction they have taken seems to be fair. You cannot go leading up to the World Cup with so many question marks,” Ashwin added.

Both Rohit and Kohli are gearing up for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, scheduled to be played from October 19 to 25. The duo are only active in 50-over cricket following their retirement from T20I and test cricket.

Meanwhile, Ashwin recently went unsold in the International League T20 (ILT20) auction. The 39-year-old has signed up with Sydney Thunder for Big Bash League 2025-26 season.

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