Watch: BCCI shares BTS video of R Ashwin's emotional speech in dressing room after announcing retirement, here's what the ace spinner said

BCCI posted a BTS video of Ravichandran Ashwin's emotional speech in India's dressing room after announcing his retirement.

Sports Tak

• Wed • 18 Dec 2024

R Ashwin while giving emotional speech at Indian dressing room post announcing his retirement

Highlights:

R Ashwin announced his sudden retirement from international cricket after Gabba Test

BCCI has now shared a BTS video of Ashwin's emotional speech at Indian dressing room

R Ashwin dropped bombshell with his sudden retirement from international cricket after the India versus Australia's third Test at Gabba. Ashwin, renowned for his astute cricketing mind and relentless pursuit of improvement, has been a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket. His journey with the Indian team, however, came to an end with reached its conclusion with the end of the Brisbane Test.

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BCCI posts BTS video of R Ashwin's emotional speech after his retirement

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a BTS video R. Ashwin's emotional speech aat Indian dressing room moments before his retirement announcement. In the video, Ashwin concludes the press conference, receives a signed Australian jersey from Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins, and walks past the media into the dressing room. There, he shares emotional hugs with Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and his former captain, Virat Kohli. Ashwin then delivered an emotional speech in the dressing room.

“Even though I am not exhibiting it, it’s a truly emotional moment. 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.

Ashwin also reminisced about his first tour of Australia. He recalled that this tour also marked the departures of former India head coach Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, followed by big retirement of Sachin Tendulkar in 2013.

Everybody’s time comes: R Ashwin

"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

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R. Ashwin confirmed that he would be departing from the Indian team midway through the series. He will return to his home in Chennai on Thursday. However, before his departure, he expressed his continued support for his teammates, encouraging them to stay focused and perform to the best of their abilities.

“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 concluded.

R. Ashwin retires as India's second-most prolific bowler across all formats, having bagged 765 wickets across all formats. His final Test appearance was in Adelaide, where he captured his 537th Test wicket and became India's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, trailing only Anil Kumble's record of 619 wickets.