Ashwin Urges Forgiveness for His Father Following Controversial Comments
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New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) After Ravichandran Ashwin’s father suggested that his unexpected decision to retire from international cricket stemmed from humiliating treatment, the recently retired Indian off-spinner made a heartfelt appeal for everyone to forgive and leave him alone.
“My dad isn’t media trained, dey father enna da ithelaam (What is this father?). I never anticipated that you would adhere to this rich tradition of “dad statements.” I kindly request that everyone forgive him and leave him alone,” Ashwin expressed on his ‘X’ account.
Earlier on Thursday, Ravichandran, Ashwin’s father, revealed that humiliation could have influenced the off-spinner’s decision to quit international cricket immediately after the third Test against Australia at the Gabba, which concluded in a draw.
“I also learned about it at the last moment. What was going through his mind, I cannot say. He simply announced it. I accepted it with complete pleasure. I had no strong feelings regarding it. However, I was quite happy with the way he announced his retirement, though I felt a bit disappointed because he should have continued,” he stated to CNN-News18.
“The abrupt decision of retirement took us by surprise. Yet, we were somewhat anticipating this because of the ongoing humiliation. How long could he endure such treatment? He likely made this choice independently,” Ravichandran mentioned.
Ashwin concluded his 14-year international career with an impressive record of 537 wickets at an average of 24 across 106 Tests, making him India’s second all-time leading wicket-taker behind legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble. He achieved an astonishing 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, the second highest in cricket history, alongside eight ten-wicket hauls.
In addition to his wicket-taking prowess, Ashwin scored six Test centuries and 14 fifties in his batting career. His final international appearance was during the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide, where he recorded figures of 1-53 in 18 overs and contributed 29 runs with the bat, as India suffered a ten-wicket defeat.
In his ODI career, Ashwin played 116 matches for India, claiming 156 wickets, and was part of the victorious teams in the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He also featured in 65 T20I matches, taking 72 wickets.
Ashwin is among the elite group of 11 allrounders to achieve the double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests. He has received a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, matching the tally of Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan. Fans can look forward to seeing him play for the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, in IPL 2025.
