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R. Ashwin back home in Chennai Photograph: (Source-X)
Veteran spin bowler R. Ashwin sent the cricketing world into shock with his decision to retire after the Brisbane Test. The 38-year-old addressed the media with skipper Rohit Sharma after the game and said that Wednesday was his final day as an international cricketer. Ashwin’s last game was in Adelaide where he picked a wicket and scored 22 and 7 runs with the bat.
Rohit Sharma confirmed that Ashwin will fly back home to India on Wednesday. The 38-year-old reached Chennai and was given a huge welcome. Family and friends came to greet the 106-Test veteran with over 3500 runs and 537 wickets. The former India star was flanked by his wife and children as he got down from the car.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: People extend a warm welcome to cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin as he arrives at his residence in Chennai, a day after announcing his retirement from International Cricket. pic.twitter.com/rUt5BFX3rA
— ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024
Family members were emotional as they greeted their famous son back home. Ashwin retired from the sport as the 2nd highest wicket taker in Test cricked behind Anil Kumble. Hugs and celebrations were in store for a player who served the national side with distinction for over a decade and half. The 38-year-old will be back in the field for Chennai Super Kings during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
Matthew Hayden recalls time spent with Ashwin in IPL
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden was a key member of Chennai Super Kings in the first three seasons. Hayden was part of the side that won the IPL title in 2010. R. Ashwin had made his IPL debut in 2009 and was a key part of the title winning side in the next year.
During his chat on Star Sports, Hayden came up with a moving tribute for Ashwin where he said, “I’ve been very privileged to share many a bus-side seat on the way to the ground in Tamil Nadu, at the beautiful Chepauk Stadium, and with the Chennai Super Kings.”
The former Aussie star went onto recall and said, “As a young kid, as I was coming to the end of my career, he’d cuddle up, and we’d talk about the game—how he could counteract the sweeper and why I swept. So, in many ways, it was a transference of information, much like what I had with Bishan Bedi years ago. He’s a lovely human being and a very enjoyable character to play with as well.”
“A very smart cricketer. And you know, he’s a cricketer who just stays on task, always working out a cunning plan. He’s got great belief in his own ability. He’s quite polarizing in many ways when it comes to the cricketing public, and even to his own team—he’s a very strong-minded person. But I personally want to wish Ashwin a wonderful retirement,” Matthew Hayden further said about R. Ashwin after the latter’s retirement.