'Would have enjoyed it' - Ravichandran Ashwin makes huge statement on the question of 'not captaining' India

Former legendary India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently hung his boots in international cricket after the third Test against Australia at the Gabba. On Wednesday, December 18, Ashwin announced a ‘sudden retirement’ leaving the entire cricketing fraternity in complete shock.

In the aftermath of Ashwin’s retirement, there came a lot of reactions, statements and opinions across the cricketing fraternity. Some called it ‘shocking’ while a few termed it as a ‘right time’ to sign off at the top of his career there were also the opinions that felt that there were still few years left in Ravi Ashwin. 

Meanwhile, Ashwin himself has broken his silence on the question of ‘not captaining’ India. Notably, the 38-year-old had captained his state team, Tamil Nadu in the junior-level and age-group cricket. 

I am smart enough to know what works for me – Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin said that he has ‘no regrets’ about not captaining the national side of India. However, he also expressed his feelings about the question if he would have been appointed the skipper of Team India. 

“It's interesting. I am smart enough to know what works for me and what doesn't for another person. When I started my career, I got first-class captaincy very early. I have won a few tournaments for my team. I believe I had it in me. But I did not have any regret that I didn't go on to lead my country because these are not things that I can control,” said Ashwin on Sky Sports Podcast.

“I have realised somebody needs to feel that I am good enough to lead the team, I need to get another 15-20 people to come along with me for me to be able to lead the team. It wasn't meant for me in this particular chapter of my life. I do not have regrets, but I do think it would have been something I would have enjoyed,” he added later. 

Also Read: Mumbai spinner Tanush Kotian replaces R. Ashwin for final two Test matches vs Australia: Reports