Ashwin returns Chennai Home after India Retirement - Family in Tears, Welcomed with Massive Celebration [Watch]

India's legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin quietly returned home early morning on Thursday (December 19), a day after announcing his retirement from international cricket during the ongoing Test series against Australia.

Ashwin was seen at the Chennai International Airport, escorted by local officials as fans clicked photos. The 37-year-old avoided any interaction with the media before leaving with his family.

On Wednesday, Ashwin made the surprising decision to step away from international cricket with immediate effect, midway through the five-match series, which currently stands tied at 1-1 after three games. Despite bidding farewell to the international stage, Ashwin will continue to play domestic cricket, including the IPL, where he is set to represent Chennai Super Kings next season.

Ashwin retires as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, having claimed 537 wickets in 106 matches, behind only Anil Kumble, who holds the record with 619 scalps.

Reflecting on his decision, Ashwin said, "I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket."

Before flying back to Chennai, Ashwin addressed his teammates in an emotional farewell speech shared by the BCCI on social media.

"The cricketer in me, the Indian cricketer, international cricketer might have come to an end, but the cricket nut in me will never come to an end," he told the dressing room, promising to support them whenever needed.

Ashwin Homecoming Celebrated in Chennai, People in Tears

Ashwin reached his residence in Chennai and was welcomed with warmth. There was celebratory music at his arrival as many people gathered to welcome the India star, welcoming him with ushering flowers. The just-retired player was seen posing for selfies, giving away autographs at his residence as people came up to him. A few elderly people of Ashwin's family hugged the player and some of them were also seen in tears, probably reflecting on the end of Ashwin's journey as an India player.

Ashwin's illustrious career spanned 14 years, during which he was part of India's historic triumphs in the 2011 ICC World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. In the limited-overs format, he played 116 ODIs, taking 156 wickets, and featured in 65 T20Is, claiming 72 scalps.