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Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest off-spinners, has recently opened up about his decision not to play a farewell Test. The 37-year-old announced his retirement from Test cricket during Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, ending a glorious career that saw him rewrite record books and become one of the most prolific bowlers in the game’s history. Speaking on his show, Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin explained w💫hy he chose not to pursue a ceremonial fare🥀well match, a tradition many cricketers cherish.
Ravichandran Ashwin explains reason behind not opting for a farewell Test
Ashwin explained that he values honesty and merit over ceremonial gestures, stating that a farewell match holds no significance for him if he does not genuinely deserve a spot in the team. He emphasized that playing solely for the sake of a farewell would leave him dissatisfied, as it would undermine his cricketing ethos. Ashwin believes in retiring at a point where people question “why” he is stepping away, rather than “why not,” reflecting his desire to leave the game on a high note and with dignity.
“I personally believe that there is nothing important in having a farewell match. I just want to be honest. Just think, if I get a farewell Test but I am not deserving of a place in the side, I will not be happy. Mere cricket mein dum tha, but I think it’s always better to stop when people ask why and not why not,” said Ashwin.
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A glorious Test career to remember
Ashwin’s retirement brings the curtain down on a phenomenal Test career that spanned over a decade. The off-spinner finished with 537 wickets in 106 Tests, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker in all formats, behind the legendary Anil Kumble.
Known for his sharp cricketing mind and an uncanny ability to adapt to conditions, Ashwin played a pivotal role in India’s dominance in home conditio🌸ns and several historic overseas victories. His contributions with the bat, including five centuries, added significant value to t🥂he team.
