Ashwin announced his international retirement midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The 38-year-old confirmed the decision while addressing the media in Brisbane, where the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test ended in a draw.
Ashwin’s sudden call shocked the entire cricket fraternity, including the legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev, who suggested that the off-spinner deserved a fitting farewell.
“I was shocked by how one of India’s greatest cricketers chose to leave the game. The disappointment among the fans was widespread, but I also saw a tinge of hurt on his face. He looked unhappy, and that was sad. He deserved much better, a fitting farewell," Kapil was quoted as saying to PTI.
While Ashwin expressed gratitude for Kapil’s sentiments, he firmly opposed the concept of grand farewells.
"As far as I am concerned, grand farewells are wrong. I don't think you should give grand farewell ceremonies to anyone. Especially, I firmly believe that you shouldn't give me a grand farewell. I don't want anyone shedding a drop of tear for me. I think grand send-offs are part of a super celebrity culture," Ashwin said during a conversation with television presenter Gobinath on a YouTube show.
"Why should we run behind someone? I understand we run behind someone for the love we have for them. But I feel that people should get inspired by one's achievements, the legacy that one leaves behind, the way one left the game, and the way one has spoken about the game. But farewells are wrong, I think. If there is a match that has been organised just to celebrate me, I think it’s a disservice to the game," he added.
Ashwin represented India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, picking up 765 wickets across all formats. He finished his career as the country’s second highest wicket-taker (537 scalps) in Test cricket, only behind Anil Kumble’s record tally of 619 dismissals.
"I don't have any regrets about it. Zero regrets. If I am not happy with 537 wickets, then for what will I be happy? Why should I be sad about something that's not there? There is great joy in acceptance. You chase something that you don't have. But don't regret something that you don't have. Don't crib about it," he remarked.
Ashwin emphasized that retirement marked only the end of his international cricket journey. The seasoned campaigner has no doubts he would remain associated with the game.
"I quit this part of my life. It was a full stop to that part of my life. I can talk cricket, I do YouTube, I love coaching. I can keep myself happy around cricket. I will stay connected with cricket.
"I don’t have any regrets; I am not angry at anyone. I didn’t cry even one bit. No one else is responsible for my retirement. If there’s someone, I am not aware of it," he stated.
Ashwin will turn up for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025 season. The five-time champions splashed INR 9.75 crore to secure his services during the mega auction last month.