WATCH: Day after international retirement, Ravichandran Ashwin lands in Chennai

Veteran Indian spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, made a quiet return to Chennai early Thursday morning, just a day after announcing his retirement from international cricket. The 37-year-old off-spinner landed in his hometown, where he was received by family, friends, and a few fans, though he chose to remain tight-lipped and avoided addressing the waiting media.

Ashwin’s sudden decision to retire mid-series during India's tour of Australia was surprising for many, but he’s already planning his future in the sport, with a focus on club-level cricket. Moreover, he also seems to focus on T20 cricket which includes a return to the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Notably, after the rain-affected third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) in Brisbane, Ashwin officially announced his retirement from international cricket. As a result, this marked the end of an era and an illustrious 14-year career of the Indian stalwart in international cricket. Having made his debut for India in 2010, Ashwin’s career has been nothing short of remarkable

Check out the viral moment of Ashwin's arrival in Chennai here:

Feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer: Ravi Ashwin

Over the years, he has become a key figure in India’s bowling attack, particularly in Test cricket. He retired as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests, with 537 wickets from 106 matches, just behind the legendary Anil Kumble, who has 619 wickets.

Also Read: 'Reaching 500 Test wickets is no walk in the park' - Muttiah Muralitharan hails R Ashwin

As a dependable all-rounder, he also played significant knocks with the bat, adding six centuries to his name in Test cricket. His performances in limited-overs formats too were impressive. He played 116 ODIs, claiming 156 wickets, and 65 T20Is, where he took 72 wickets. Ashwin was also a key player in India’s victories in the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.

In a heartfelt address to his teammates after the drawn third Test, Ashwin expressed his gratitude for the support he received throughout his career. He admitted feeling that there was still a bit of punch left in him as a cricketer but chose to shift his focus to club-level cricket moving forward. 

"This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats as in at the international level. I do feel there's a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to expose and probably showcase that in club-level cricket, but this will be the last day and I've had a lot of fun," Ashwin said during the press conference on Wednesday.