Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement from international cricket during IND vs AUS 3rd Test left fans and fellow players shocked. However, what truly warmed hearts was a touching gesture by his daughter upon his return to Chennai. Ashwin shared an image of a poster made by his daughter that read, “Thank you, Ashna. You have the streets.” The poster was a heartfelt nod to Ashwin’s autobiography, “I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story.”
A homecoming in Chennai
Ashwin landed at Chennai’s Madras International Meenambakkam Airport on Friday morning, just hours after announcing his retirement during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. India’s captain Rohit Sharma had earlier confirmed in a press conference that Ashwin would be heading home and would not join the team in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test.
Back in Chennai, Ashwin received a warm welcome from close friends, neighbours, and family. A large crowd gathered outside his home to celebrate the legendary spinner. Despite the emotional weight of his retirement, Ashwin greeted everyone with hugs and autographs. Accompanied by his wife and daughters, he entered his home to applause and smiles, reflecting the deep admiration he has earned over the years.
Quiet gratitude at the Airport
At the airport, Ashwin was surrounded by tight security as he made his way through the crowd. Choosing to stay away from media interactions, he expressed gratitude for the support he received. “Thank you for respecting my sentiments,” he said before leaving Brisbane.
Ashwin’s emotional farewell
Ashwin’s decision to retire mid-series has left a significant gap in the ongoing Test series against Australia. In a heartfelt video shared by the BCCI, Ashwin opened up about the emotional difficulty of bidding farewell to international cricket.
“I don’t know how to go about this. Honestly, it is easier to speak in the team huddle. Even though I’m not showing it, this is truly a very emotional moment for me,” he admitted.
Reflecting on his debut Australian tour in 2011-12, he recalled watching stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar prepare to step away from the game. “Everybody’s time comes, and today was my time to leave,” he said.
Cherished memories and love for cricket
Ashwin highlighted the importance of the last four to five years in his career, which he described as particularly special. “I have thoroughly enjoyed these years, built great relationships and friendships. Every year, I’ve come to value these even more,” he shared.
While stepping away from the international stage, Ashwin assured fans that his love for the game would continue. “I may have retired, but the cricket nut in me will always find a way to stay involved,” he said, leaving fans with a promise of his enduring passion for the sport.
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