'Felt That Creative Side Of Me Didn't Have A Future': R Ashwin Reveals Reason Behind Retirement

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Ravichandran Ashwin surprised the cricket fraternity with an unexpected decision to step away from international cricket after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at Brisbane's Gabba.

The ace spinner shared that the thought of retiring had crossed his mind earlier, but he ultimately chose to bid farewell when he felt his creative instincts were no longer being satisfied.

"I did contemplate [retirement] a few times. For me, the day I woke up and felt the creative side of me didn't have a future or direction, that would be the day I would give it up. I suddenly felt that the creative side didn't have a lot of upsides to explore," said Ashwin on Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.

He has no regret on his decision and credited Test cricket for constructing and helping him live life in the best possible way.

"I've got no regrets because I've had to do it the hard way, but it has left me with the idea that the game has been my calling. People find their calling at different stages of their life, but I'm so glad this game found me and has given me meaning to life," he said.

"I've played Test cricket for so long, and it's even taught me how to construct and live my life. It's the most beautiful thing that has happened for me," the Chennai Super Kings man further added.

The 38-year-old has taken 537 Test wickets to his name and scalped a total of 228 wickets in shorter formats of the game for India.

The ever-humble Ashwin always had his focus on cricket over personal fame. He prefers a quiet exit and values the game more than the attention or celebrations often given to players in India. For him, cricket has always been the priority.

"I always wanted to leave things behind as nonchalantly as I could because I do not believe in people celebrating me. I don't believe in the attention we get sometimes in India. It is the game that always stood ahead of me, all the time," he expressed.