As Ravichandran Ashwin approaches his 38th birthday on September 17, 2024, the cricketing world is abuzz with speculation about his retirement plans. The veteran off-spinner, who has been a cornerstone of India’s Test squad, recently opened up about his future in international cricket ahead of the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.
Ashwin’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Since making his debut in 2011, he has become one of the most successful bowlers in Test cricket. With 516 wickets in 100 Test matches, he is India’s second-highest wicket-taker, only behind the legendary Anil Kumble, who holds the record with 619 wickets. Ashwin’s contributions have been pivotal in many of India’s Test victories, both at home and abroad.
No Fixed Timeline for Retirement for Ravichandran Ashwin
Despite nearing 40, Ashwin remains highly motivated and has not set a specific timeline for his retirement. In a recent interview, he stated, “There is nothing like that in my mind. I am only thinking about one day at a time because when you get older, you have to put in extra effort every single day. It’s not the same. I have put in a lot of effort in the last 3-4 years. I haven’t decided (retirement), but the day I feel that today I don’t want to improve, I will leave. That’s all.”
Focus on Daily Performance
Ashwin’s approach to his career is centered around daily performance and personal motivation. He emphasized that his decision to retire will be driven by his love for the game and his desire to keep improving. “I haven’t set any targets for myself. Anil Bhai wants me to break his record, but I’m just happy living day by day. I don’t want to lose my love for the game by setting targets,” he explained.
Ashwin’s journey has not been without its challenges. Between 2018 and 2020, he faced a tough phase in his career, dealing with injuries and a dip in form. However, he managed to overcome these obstacles and regain his place in the team. Reflecting on this period, Ashwin said, “I know how my life changed after that tough phase. I’m just holding on to my joy of cricket, and the moment I feel I’m losing it, I’ll step away.”
Upcoming Series Against Bangladesh
Ashwin is set to play a crucial role in India’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. His experience and skill will be vital as India aims to secure a series victory. Despite the speculation around his retirement, Ashwin remains focused on the task at hand and is determined to contribute to the team’s success.
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