What's next for Ravichandran Ashwin post retirement? Immediate career possibilities, including commentary in BGT series

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R Ashwin retirement: Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement from international cricket has left the cricketing world both surprised and curious about his next move.

The 38-year-old spinner, who recently announced his retirement following the drawn third Test against Australia, is now poised for a new chapter in his professional journey. While club cricket, particularly IPL 2024 and IPL 2025, is the acknowledged path, Ashwin's other options may involve a foray into commentary or media roles.

Hours after making his retirement announcement, Ashwin was already on his way back to India from Brisbane, as per TOI. His decision reflects both finality and opportunity -- his next moves will determine whether he focuses solely on playing or broadens his role within the cricket ecosystem.

Ashwin has been signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for Rs 9.75 crore ahead of IPL 2024, and his return to the franchise marks a likely continuation of his playing career in limited-overs cricket. Preparations for IPL 2025 are therefore expected, with Ashwin looking forward to leveraging his tactical acumen on the T20 stage.

On the other hand, speculation is rife that Ashwin may diversify his professional focus by transitioning into the commentary domain. Ashwin has a strong presence on social media, notably his successful YouTube channel in Tamil, which has garnered a robust and loyal fanbase. His insights and analysis in the digital space have proven his potential as a compelling cricket analyst. This fuels speculation about him joining the official commentary team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, especially with two matches still left to be played in the series.

Ashwin's knowledge and experience in the game, combined with his knack for connecting with cricket fans, could make him a valuable addition to Australia's commentary team. A stint in this role could provide Ashwin with a seamless transition into the next phase of his professional life, balancing his passion for cricket and his communication skills.

While myKhel cannot confirm which path Ashwin will take, the next few months are likely to provide clarity on his direction. His emotional farewell in Brisbane -- marked by teary-eyed goodbyes and heartfelt speeches -- shows the depth of his connection to the sport.