New Delhi: Following his retirement from international cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin shared insights into his journey in the sport and the profound influence it has had on his life. He conveyed a deep sense of fulfillment and appreciation for cricket, recognizing that, despite its challenges, the game has provided him with purpose and direction.
"I have no regrets because I’ve faced the challenges head-on, and it has reinforced my belief that cricket is my true calling. People discover their purpose at various points in their lives, and I am grateful that this sport found me, giving my life significant meaning," Ashwin stated during an interview on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.
"I don't seek celebration or attention; I believe the focus should remain on the game itself. My love for cricket is what truly matters, not the accolades that come with it," he added.
Having been a key figure in Test cricket for over a decade, Ashwin spoke openly about the deep impact the sport has had on his existence.
"My extensive experience in Test cricket has taught me not only about the game but also how to navigate life. It has been the most wonderful experience of my life," he remarked.
In reflecting on his career, Ashwin highlighted the distinctive path he has forged within the cricketing landscape.
He expressed, "I poured everything into it, fully aware that my approach may not align with popular opinion or conventional methods. This journey is entirely my own."
Renowned for his eloquence and profound insight into the game, Ashwin emphasized the significance of personal discovery in achieving mastery in cricket.
"Throughout the years, I've observed numerous cricketers with remarkable skills and talent, yet the capacity to convey or teach those skills to others is a rare quality that emerges only when one has truly explored the game themselves," he stated.
Ashwin's unwavering commitment to excellence has endowed him with extensive knowledge of the sport.
"The depth of exploration I have undertaken to achieve success has provided me with a diverse range of insights, allowing me to confidently assert that this is a game I cherish and can passionately discuss for the rest of my life," Ashwin remarked.
Having announced his retirement following the Brisbane Test against Australia on Wednesday, Ashwin played a pivotal role in India's home dominance, which spanned over 12 years and began after India's defeat to England in a Test series in 2012.
In his 106 Test matches for India, the legendary all-rounder claimed 537 wickets at an average of 24.00, with his best performance being 7/59. He recorded 37 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket matches throughout his Test career. Ashwin ranks as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history and the second-highest for India, trailing only the legendary spinner Anil Kumble (619 wickets). He also holds the second-most five-wicket hauls in Tests, following Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan (67).
He accumulated a total of 3,503 runs at an average of 25.75, achieving six centuries and 14 half-centuries over the course of 151 innings, with a highest score of 124.
In 116 One Day Internationals (ODIs), the distinguished spinner claimed 156 wickets at an average of 33.20, with his best performance being 4/25. Additionally, he scored 707 runs at an average of 16.44, including one half-century, with a top score of 65 in 63 innings. He ranks as the 13th-highest wicket-taker for India in ODIs.
In 65 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), he secured 72 wickets at an average of 23.22, with his best figures recorded at 4/8. He also contributed 184 runs in 19 innings at an average of 26.28, with a highest score of 31. He stands as the sixth-highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is.
With a total of 765 wickets in 287 matches, he is the second-highest wicket-taker for India across all formats, following Kumble, who has 953.
He was also part of the Indian team that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
