India’s legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has given cricket fans a glimpse into his retirement plans ahead of the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. While Ashwin, who turns 38 on September 17, remains focused on his current game, he has provided some clarity on when he might hang up his boots.
Ashwin Reflects on Retirement But Stays Focused on the Present
In a recent conversation with Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel, Ashwin revealed that retirement is not on his mind for now. However, he emphasized that he would only consider stepping away from cricket when he no longer feels the drive to improve his performance.
“I think about each day as it comes. The day I feel like I’m not improving or I lose the desire to get better, I will retire,” Ashwin stated. He also mentioned the extra effort that comes with age, noting how his perspective has shifted since a tough period between 2018 and 2020.
Playing Beyond 40: Ashwin’s Balanced Approach to the Game
When asked about playing cricket till the age of 40, Ashwin shared that his focus is on maintaining his joy and love for the sport. “I’m just enjoying my game right now. The moment I feel I am losing my love for cricket, I will step away. After all, we all have to make way for others,” Ashwin explained.
Despite his age, the veteran spinner is still performing at an elite level, continuing to be a key part of India’s Test team. Ashwin has often spoken about his evolution as a player, especially after overcoming challenges in recent years.
Approaching Anil Kumble’s Record, But With No Pressure
Ashwin is currently India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 516 wickets from 100 matches. The only Indian bowler ahead of him is Anil Kumble, who holds 619 wickets. However, Ashwin has no specific target in mind to break the record.
“Anil bhai himself wants me to break his record, but I’m happy living in the present. I don’t want to lose my love for the game by chasing numbers,” said Ashwin. This statement shows his relaxed approach towards personal milestones, focusing more on his contribution to the team than on breaking records.
As India prepares for the Test series against Bangladesh, Ashwin remains a vital part of the team’s plans, and fans can expect to see him continue making headlines for his on-field exploits rather than for retirement announcements.
