R Ashwin’s father bought flight tickets for BGT 2024-25 4th and 5th Tests without knowing about son’s retirement: Reports
R Ashwin's sudden and shocking retirement from international cricket mid-way through the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series has created a lot of buzz and speculation. Earlier, Ashwin's father Ravichandran stated that the possible reason for his son's sudden retirement could have been the 'humiliation' he had been facing.
While the comment sparked speculation that things were not right between R Ashwin and the team management, a report in The Indian Express has further added to the mystery. The publication claims that Ashwin's father had booked flight tickets to attend the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the New Year's Test in Sydney to watch his son play. This indicates that his father was not aware of Ashwin's decision to announce retirement mid-way through the series.
However, with his son pulling the curtains on his international career, Ravichandran had to reportedly cancel the flight tickets once Ashwin called him to inform him about his decision.
"With his knee giving him trouble, he had given retirement a thought. Those in his close circle say even before he left for Australia, he was in two minds, but wanted to give one final push as there isn’t any immediate Test series lined up post the tour Down Under.
"So once he boarded the flight to Perth, his family and friends expected him to finish the series, with father Ravichandran even booking flight tickets to watch the Boxing Day and New Year Tests. On Tuesday night, he phoned to inform them that December 18 would be his last day as an international cricketer," the report claimed (via Hindustan Times).
His sudden retirement and statements from his father have given rise to several questions regarding Ashwin's decision.
R Ashwin shares heartfelt response to Virat Kohli's retirement post
In an emotional post, Virat Kohli penned his feelings for Ashwin, thanking him for his contributions to the Indian cricket team over the years.
"I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket.
"Wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and everything else that it unfolds for you. With massive respect and lots of love to you and your close ones. Thanks for everything buddy.❤️🇮🇳 @ashwinravi99," Kohli tweeted.
"Thanks buddy! Like I told you, I will be walking out with you to bat at the MCG🤗," R Ashwin responded to Kohli's post.