R Ashwin delivered a stirring dressing-room speech on Wednesday. (BCCI)
“Everyone’s time comes,” said off-spinner R Ashwin as he began his stirring farewell speech in the Team India dressing room after announcing a shock international retirement after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane.
In a video shared by BCCI on social media hours after his retirement on Wednesday, Ashwin is seen wrapping up the press conference where he announced his retirement decision, following which he collects a signed Australia jersey from his off-spin counterpart Nathan Lyon and skipper Pat Cummins. Ashwin then walks past the media contingent into the dressing room where he shares a few emotional hugs with Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal and his former captain, Virat Kohli, before being put on the spot to share his thoughts.
“Even though I am not exhibiting it, it’s a truly emotional moment,” Ashwin began his speech in the dressing room,” said Ashwin.
“Honestly, it is easier to speak in the team huddle. Even though I am not exhibiting it, this is a very emotional moment. Thanks Rohit (Sharma), thanks Virat, thanks Gauti (Gambhir) bhai. I am so happy today,” Ashwin said.
The 38-year-old then recollected memories of his first tour to Australia which also saw the exits of former India head coach, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, followed by the big retirement of Sachin Tendulkar in 2013.
“It feels like just now I toured Australia for the first time. I saw everybody transition. Rahul paaji left, Sachin paaji left.”
“But, trust me guys, everybody’s time comes and it’s truly my time. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have built some great relationships, especially over the last 4-5 years. I am leaving behind some of my teammates who have been playing with dearly.
“Every passing moment in the last four years, I have realised how much I value their relationship and value them as a player. I have had a great time,” he added.
‘Cricket nut will not retire’
Ashwin confirmed that he would be leaving the Indian contingent mid-way through the series and head back home to Chennai on Thursday, but not without a word of reassurance to keep a tab on his teammates.
“I will be taking a flight back home. But I will be tuned in to watch how well you guys go in Melbourne. I will be looking forward to each one of your performances.
“The international cricketer in me might have come to an end, but the cricket nut in me will never come to an end. All the very best. If at all, you guys need anything, I am just a phone call away,” Ashwin added.
The off-spinner bows out as India’s second most prolific bowler across formats, with 765 scalps to his name. Ashwin’s final Test assignment was India’s previous outing in Adelaide, where he picked the last of his 537 Test wickets, the second-highest ever for India in whites behind Anil Kumble’s 619 scalps.
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