Former India cricketer R Ashwin revealed the promise that he had made to himself that led to his retirement from the Indian team. The promise was related to India’s 2012 Test series loss to England, which was the hosts’ last home Test series loss till 2024.

Ashwin played in that Test series loss in 2012 and stated that he made a promise to himself and stated he will retire the next time India loses a home Test series. Midway through last year's Test tour of Australia, Ashwin announced the end of his career following the crushing defeat by New Zealand.

“I made myself a promise after the series loss against England in 2012 that if we ever lose another home series, I’ll retire. The New Zealand series loss is eventually the reason why I am sitting at home today; it broke me," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"And I hope this happens to players after this series, and they come out to change themselves," he added.  

R Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket came as a surprise on India’s tour to Australia after the third Test in Brisbane last year. He had earlier clarified that his decision to retire was not influenced by what others told him.

“No one told me that you should go; no one told me that there is no place for you in the team. Actually, before I made the decision, 2-3 people told me not to take it, but I made my decision. In fact, they wanted me to play more.

Rohit Sharma (the then captain) also told me to think about it, and Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) also told me to think again. But I didn’t talk much about it (retirement) with Ajit Agarkar (chairman of selectors). The decision is very personal when it comes to retirement. These are all very individual decisions," he added.

Any rumors that he was forced to retire by the team management are refuted by his response. Ashwin had earlier stated that if he wasn't chosen for the playing XI, he didn't want to stay on the team as a non-playing member.