R Ashwin: The Indian dressing room was overwhelmed with emotions on Wednesday but retired veteran off-spinner Ashwin maintained a calm demeanor throughout. After announcing his retirement in his final press conference as an international cricketer, Ashwin was walking towards the Indian dressing room when former Australian opener and now commentator Matthew Hayden came forward to welcome him and then match referee Ranjan Madugalle. Embraced this legendary off-spinner.
After taking a few steps forward, he met Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins in the corridor who presented the Indian legend with a jersey signed by the Australian players. Finally Ashwin reached the Indian dressing room.
A touching Tamil song was playing in the background. Ashwin then gave an emotional speech during which he promised his teammates that he would always be available to them at just a phone call. Ashwin’s announcement of his retirement with immediate effect was surprising as two Tests are still left to be played in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Ashwin walked towards the press conference room with a smile on his face. Later members of the Indian support staff lined up to meet Ashwin including fielding coach T Dilip, Sri Lanka’s left-arm throwdown specialist Nuwan Seneviratne and several others. After entering the dressing room amid loud applause, Ashwin was welcomed by his teammates like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant, who now have the responsibility of taking Indian cricket forward.
Ashwin must have chosen his every word very carefully before talking to his teammates. “I don’t know what to say about this,” Ashwin said in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). To be honest, it is easier to interact with the team on the field. Even though I am not performing it, it is really a very emotional moment for me.
He said, “I feel like when I came here in 2011-12, my first Australian tour, I have seen everyone’s transition. I saw that Rahul (Dravid) Bhai is gone, Sachin (Tendulkar) Paaji is gone.
Ashwin said, “But believe me friends, everyone’s time comes and today is my time to go.” Ashwin said that the last four-five years of international cricket was the time when he formed some special relationships. “I’ve really enjoyed it, made some great relationships and friends over the last four-five years and I’m leaving some of my mates who were playing (with me) behind,” he said.
“With each passing year in the last four-five years, I have realized how much I value their relationship and how much I value them as players,” the off-spinner said. Promised colleagues that he would be available at just a phone call. Ashwin said, “If you guys need anything, I will be available at just a phone call.” Once again thank you very much, Rohit. Thank you, Virat, thank you, Gauti Bhai. I am very happy today.
After cutting the farewell cake, an emotional Rohit gave a piece to Ashwin while Mohammed Siraj gave him a ‘three salute’ and KL Rahul hugged him. Ashwin became emotional when he hugged Shubman Gill.
