India National Cricket Team off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin came up with an emotional speech in the dressing room after announcing his retirement from international cricket. He said that he might’ve retired today, but cricket in him will never.
Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket on Wednesday (18th December). His decision came after the third Test between the Australia National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team ended in a draw at the Gabba in Brisbane.
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Ashwin, who has been a legend of the game, will go down as one of the best players in the world of cricket. The kind of impact that he made in international cricket, both with bat and ball, has been something that not many would be able to replicate.
Ravichandran Ashwin shared an emotional moment on his way back to the dressing room
Not only the lasting impact that he made as a cricketer, the relationship that he built with the players was something that would be missed in the Indian dressing room. This was quite evident as almost every player in the team looked emotional as the off-spinner came into the dressing room.
Ashwin shared an emotional moment as, on his way back, Nathan Lyon hugged him while Pat Cummins presented him with the signed jersey of the Australian team. The off-spinner then hugged Indian players and also cut the retirement cake in the dressing room.
I am leaving behind some of my teammates who I have been playing with dearly, and every passing year in the last 4 years – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin also delivered a retirement speech, saying that when he entered the scenes, he saw a transition happening with Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and others leaving, and now it’s his time. He talked about the relationship he created with the players. Speaking in a video posted by the BCCI, he said:
“I don’t know how to go about this, honestly; I mean, it’s easier to speak in the team huddle, but yeah, even though I am not exhibiting it, it is truly a very emotional moment for me. It feels like, just now, in 2011-12, I toured here, my first Australian tour. I saw everybody transition, Rahul bhai left, Sachin bhaji left, but trust me, guys, everybody’s time comes, and today was truly my time.
“I have enjoyed it, thoroughly enjoyed it. Built some great relationships and friendships over the last 4-5 years notably. And I am leaving behind some of my teammates who I have been playing with dearly, and every passing year in the last 4 years, I have felt how much more I value their relationship and how much more I value them as a player.”
If at all you guys need anything, I am just a call away – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin also said that although he will be flying back home, he will be backing the team to win. He said that the cricket in him would never die and added that he would be a call away if the team needs anything. He concluded by expressing his gratitude towards Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Gautam Gambhir. He added:
“So I have had a great time. I will be taking a flight back home, but I will be tuned in to watch how well you guys go in Melbourne. The cricketer in me as an Indian cricketer, an international cricketer, might have come to an end, but the cricket nut in me will never come to an end.
“So I will be looking forward to each one of your performances and all the very best. If at all you guys need anything, I am just a call away. Thank you so much once again. Thanks, Rohit, thanks, Virat, thanks, Gautam bhai. So happy to be here. Thank you guys.”