'Match organised to celebrate me will be a disservice to cricket' - R Ashwin feels farewells are 'wrong'

Ravichandran Ashwin shocked the cricket fraternity when he announced his retirement from international cricket following the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane last week. Cricket aficionados poured out their congratulatory messages as the 38-year-old called time on an illustrious career. Many of them felt that the Tamil Nadu off-spinner should have retired after playing a farewell Test.

However, Ashwin, who is the most successful Indian off-spinner, said that he is completely against the concept of farewell Tests and grand send-offs. According to the Chennai-born, a match played to celebrate him is a "disservice to the game".

"As far as I am concerned, grand farewells are wrong. I don't think you should give grand farewell ceremonies to anyone. Especially, I firmly believe that you shouldn't give me a grand farewell. I don't want anyone shedding a drop of tear for me. I think grand send-offs are part of a super celebrity culture," Ashwin said during a conversation with television presenter Gobinath on a YouTube show.

"Why should we run behind someone? I understand we run behind someone for the love we have for them. But I feel that people should get inspired by one's achievements, the legacy that one leaves behind, the way one left the game, and the way one has spoken about the game. But farewells are wrong, I think. If there is a match that has been organised just to celebrate me, I think it’s a disservice to the game," Ashwin added.

Ashwin stated that he didn't leave the international scene with any regrets. He opined that people should chase something that they don't have but should not have regrets when they fall short.

"I don't have any regrets about it. Zero regrets. If I am not happy with 537 wickets, then for what will I be happy? Why should I be sad about something that's not there? There is great joy in acceptance. You chase something that you don't have. But don't regret something that you don't have. Don't crib about it," Ashwin noted.

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I will stay connected with cricket: Ashwin

Ashwin might have retired from the international stage but he will represent Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He blamed no one for his retirement and said that he did not shed tears after making the call. The stalwart also vowed to stay involved with the game in various capacities.

"I quit this part of my life. It was a full stop to that part of my life. I can talk cricket, I do YouTube, I love coaching. I can keep myself happy around cricket. I will stay connected with cricket," Ashwin said.

"I don’t have any regrets; I am not angry at anyone. I didn’t cry even one bit. No one else is responsible for my retirement. If there’s someone, I am not aware of it," he added.