Indian cricketer R Ashwin recently addressed the rumours surrounding his unexpected retirement announcement following the IND vs AUS 3rd Test in Brisbane. With his father making headlines due to his controversial remarks, Ashwin took to social media to lighten the situation and offer clarity. Ashwin humorously spoke on Twitter about his father’s untrained media interactions, requesting fans to forgive and leave his father alone.
In the social media post, R Ashwin said, “My father is not media trained” he said. “I never thought you would follow this rich tradition of dad statements”. He added.
What did Ashwin’s father say?
The speculation gained momentum following comments from Ashwin’s father, suggesting his son felt humiliated, potentially influencing his retirement decision. He stated that the situation caught him by surprise, highlighting his son’s right to decide his path.
After R ashwin’s retirement, his father said “I too came to know last minute, actually,”. “What was going on in his mind I don’t know. He just announced. I too accepted it with full pleasure. I did not have any feeling at all for that. But the way he gave his retirement, one part I was very happy, another part not happy because he should have continued.”
“(Retiring) is his (Ashwin’s) wish and desire, I cannot interfere in that, but the way in which he gave that, there could be many reasons. Only Ashwin knows, maybe humiliation,” he said.
Family’s emotional response
In a press conference, Rohit Sharma mentioned that Ashwin had contemplated retiring for some time. For Ashwin’s father, the retirement was bittersweet, bringing both pride and sadness after such a long and successful career on the field.
His father shared that his main contribution was providing encouragement and ensuring a balance between studies and cricket for Ashwin. He said that, how he used to drop Ashwin at practice on his bike, underscoring Ashwin’s autonomy in achieving success through hard work and dedication. “I used to take him by bike and drop him off for practice. I did not get involve much in his cricket. What I did was to encourage him to focus on both studies and cricket. At home I used to talk to him that’s all. Rest he did it (on his own).“
End of an Era for Ashwin
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in his cricketing career, with 765 wickets to his name. While rumors and controversies may abound, Ashwin and his family appear united in accepting the decision as a new chapter unfolds.
