Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s premier all-rounders, recently opened up about the emotional and mental challenges that led to his surprise retirement from international cricket during the Australia tour in 2024. Though he had been performing at a high level—including a century and a six-wicket haul in the Chennai Test against Bangladesh—Ashwin shared that the grind of staying match-ready, both physically and mentally, had begun to take a toll.
On the podcast Mike Testing 123 with CSK’s batting coach Mike Hussey, Ashwin confessed that thoughts of retirement first surfaced during the home series against Australia in 2023, and resurfaced again a year later when India convincingly defeated England’s aggressive Bazball style.
Struggles Beneath the Surface
Ravichandran Ashwin admitted that while he was still contributing significantly on the field, the intense effort required to maintain peak performance was wearing him down. Despite the joy of scoring runs and taking wickets, he found the mental and physical demands increasingly draining.
A major factor in his decision was the lack of quality family time, which had been deeply affecting him. “The hard yards I had to put in to get back on the park again—it was all getting a bit too much,” he said. Ashwin had initially hoped to retire after his 100th Test, but extended his career into the home season due to his strong form. However, things began to unravel during the Australian tour.
The Emotional Breaking Point in Australia
The final straw came during the Australia series when Ashwin was left out of the playing XI for the first Test in Perth, with Washington Sundar being preferred instead. This brought back painful memories and emotional frustration. “I thought the cycle was repeating. People often overlook what players go through emotionally. Your emotions are yours, and they rarely matter to others,” Ashwin reflected. Despite his brilliant performances earlier in the season, the lack of recognition and emotional support weighed heavily on him.
His decision to retire mid-tour wasn’t just about performance—it was a deeply personal choice shaped by years of mental fatigue and emotional struggle. Now playing in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin’s legacy continues, even as he steps away from international cricket.
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