Ace Indian spinner R Ashwin spoke about his retirement plans and said that for the last five years, he has been preparing for the life after cricket. Ashwin was recently seen in action during the ICC World Cup 2023, where he played just one match.
He has been one of the best off-spinners in the world with 489 wickets in 94 Tests, 156 wickets in 116 ODIs, and 72 wickets in 65 T20Is for India, since making his debut in 2010.
In an interaction with former India cricketer S Badrinath on YouTube, Ashwin said the day he loses motivation, he would call it quits.
“I am not being diplomatic, but for four to five years (since 2019), I found myself in a very dark space in life, and took help for mental health as well. In the dark space, I realized I have to be ready for any eventuality. I have been preparing for life after cricket for five years. But I continued to work hard on my cricket; to contribute with the bat, I went to the USA and practiced baseball.
The day I lose this motivation, I feel irritated about waking up in the morning to bowl or bat, I know it is over. I will then quit immediately, say thanks to all, and go on to the next chapter in life,” Ashwin said.
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Ashwin, however, clarified that he has not yet decided on his post-retirement career.
"I am searching for something to do beyond cricket. I am interested in marketing and a lot of other things. But even if nothing else, I can't stop watching cricket. I am a cricket-tragic. I will do something in cricket and something other than that," he concluded.
In the same conversation, Ashwin said that if all-rounder Hardik Pandya assumes the role of Mumbai Indians skipper, Rohit Sharma will manage the situation with grace. He said that Rohit Sharma lacked ego and would handle the transition smoothly.
Hardik Pandya was traded in by MI from Gujarat Titans and this raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the team's captaincy, which is currently held by Rohit.
"Rohit Sharma does not have much ego. He is a great human being and a sound leader. He will handle it with grace (if Pandya is made MI leader). In the history of IPL, apart from the top four to five teams, all have released players. Mumbai and CSK have never done it. I know Hardik to an extent. I see this move as a milestone achievement,” Ashwin said.
(PTI inputs)
