R Ashwin Returns To Chennai, Says 'I Will Play For CSK'

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, has returned to Chennai on Thursday.

Ashwin Lands In Chennai

Speaking to the reporters, Ashwin said that he will continue to play for the Chennai. He stated, "...I am going to play for CSK and don't be surprised if I try and aspire to play for as long as I can. I don't think Ashwin the cricketer is done, I think Ashwin the Indian cricketer has probably called it time. That's it."

On asking if announcing retirement was a difficult decision, the 38-year-old off-spinner stated, "...It's not. It's emotional for a lot of people. It will be emotional, maybe it will sink in. But for me, it's a great sense of relief and satisfaction...It had been running in my head for a while but it was very instinctive. I felt it on day 4 and called it on day 5..."

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, 38, announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday during a joint press conference with captain Rohit Sharma. Ashwin, who holds the distinction of being India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, confirmed his decision at the conclusion of the third Test in Adelaide.

Ashwin's Career Highlights

Ashwin retires with an illustrious record:

• Tests: 537 wickets in 106 matches, second only to Anil Kumble (619).
• ODIs: 156 wickets in 116 games.
• T20Is: 72 wickets in 65 outings.
• ICC Trophies: Member of the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squads.

Ashwin stated, "Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer in all formats. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to showcase that at the club level."

Emotional Farewell

Ashwin admitted that the decision to retire wasn't tough for him but could be emotional for others. He shared, "It's a great sense of relief and satisfaction... It had been running in my head for a while, but it was instinctive. I felt it on day 4 and called it on day 5."

Moments before the announcement, Ashwin was seen having an emotional conversation with Virat Kohli in the dressing room. Social media buzzed with photos of Kohli consoling Ashwin, who wiped away tears before sharing a chuckle and an embrace with his longtime teammate.

Reflecting on his journey, Ashwin expressed gratitude toward the BCCI, teammates, and fans who supported his career that began in 2010 with an ODI debut, followed by his Test debut in 2011.

"I have had a lot of fun and created memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates. We are the last bunch of OGs left in the dressing room," Ashwin remarked, referencing players like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara.

The Chennai-based player, who balances his cricketing achievements with an engineering degree, leaves behind a legacy as one of India's finest spinners, inspiring future generations of cricketers.