R Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket middle of the ongoing BGT 2024 series between India and Australia. He played one Test in Adelaide, took one wicket, and made 27 runs in total. After being overlooked for the Brisbane Test, Ashwin decided it was time for him to hang up his boots.
Recently, while talking on a podcast, Ashwin stated that he has no regrets about his career, including missing the opportunity to captain the Indian team. He did add that he believed he was capable of leading the side and would have enjoyed the responsibility if given the chance.
Ashwin retired with 537 Test wickets, 156 ODI wickets, and 72 T20I wickets.
Ashwin captained Punjab Kings in two seasons in IPL and Tamil Nadu in state cricket. However, the legendary spin bowler was never allowed to captain India in Test cricket. He was not even recognized as vice-captain in the game's longest format.
"It's interesting. I am smart enough to know what works for me and what doesn't for another person. When I started my career, I got first-class captaincy very early. I have won a few tournaments for my team. I believe I had it in me. But I did not have any regret that I didn't go on to lead my country because these are not things that I can control," Ashwin told Sky Sports Podcast.
"I have realized somebody needs to feel that I am good enough to lead the team, I need to get another 15-20 people to come along with me for me to be able to lead the team. It wasn't meant for me in this particular chapter of my life.
I don't think this office or corporate felt I was good enough to lead the team. That doesn't mean I am not good enough for leadership. Leadership, you don't need a title to do that because, within me, I was a great leader in that group to be able to contribute to other people's success. I looked out for zones of contribution. I did it to the best of my ability," he added.
"I do not have regrets, but I do think it would have been something I would have enjoyed," he added.
Ashwin will continue to play in the IPL and domestic cricket. He was bought by CSK for the IPL 2025 season.
