R Ashwin responds to supporter's 'Crying because it could've happened for longer' remark

R Ashwin’s international retirement has taken the world by storm. The 38-year-old confirmed his decision to retire from international cricket after the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 

India registered a brilliant win in Perth in the series opener before Australia winning the clash in Adelaide. Furthermore, the game in Brisbane resulted in a draw. It was after the draw that Ashwin announced his decision. Seeing his announcement, several people took to social media to give Ashwin his flowers. 

Meanwhile, renowned author and former KSCA umpire K. Vaitheeswaran took to X to pay homage to Ashwin. “We are crying because it could have happened for a bit longer,” Vaitheeswaran posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account. Ashwin responded and thanked him for being a supporter over the years and stated that the burden is over.

“Sir thanks for being a supporter. The burden is over,” Ashwin's response read.

I am smart enough to know what works for me: Ashwin

Recently, Ashwin also came forward and revealed that he has no regrets about his career, including missing out on the opportunity to lead the Indian team. Despite leading sides across various competitions, Ashwin was never presented with the chance to lead team India.

"I am smart enough to know what works for me and what doesn't for another person. When I started my career, I got first-class captaincy very early. I have won a few tournaments for my team. I believe I had it in me. But I did not have any regret that I didn't go on to lead my country because these are not things that I can control," Ashwin told Sky Sports Podcast.