'Having to just sit out ...': R Ashwin opens up on sudden retirement, shares reasons with Rahul Dravid

NEW DELHI: In the latest episode of Ravichandran Ashwin’s Kutti Stories series on his YouTube channel, the legendary off-spinner finally revealed the emotions and reasoning behind his shock retirement announcement in December 2024. The 38-year-old, India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, stepped away during the middle of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba, leaving fans and experts stunned by the abruptness of his decision.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking to former teammate and India head coach Rahul Dravid, Ashwin admitted that the timing was deeply personal rather than purely professional. “I think it was just the time, and where I stood in my life, right? I think I was pretty old, I must admit,” he joked, before delving into the true motivations.The veteran revealed that the constant touring schedule and the frustration of being benched on overseas tours gradually wore him down. “But going on tours, and you know, having to just sit out a lot more, eventually got to me,” Ashwin explained.Yet the defining factor, he said, was family. “I mean, not in terms of not wanting to contribute to the team, but you're thinking if I would rather be at home, spending time with children. They are also growing up, and what am I actually doing?” he reflected, in what he described as a moment of clarity.Ashwin also disclosed that he had long set a personal deadline for his international career. “In my head, I always decided that I would retire at 34-35,” he said, adding that while his international journey ended, he was open to playing domestic cricket for its flexibility and balance.Dravid, recalling his own transition out of the game, pointed out that sometimes a temporary withdrawal from cricket can reignite passion. Ashwin agreed, stressing that he needed time away to “re-establish that connect” with the sport.