When Ravichandran Ashwin returned to Chennai, his daughter's heartwarming gesture won hearts despite the fact that his retirement from international cricket shocked both players and fans. Ashwin posted a picture of a touching poster that his daughter had created, which said, 'Thank you, AshNa. The streets are yours'. The poster was also a moving homage to her father's autobiography 'I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story'
Ashwin returns to India
Less than 24 hours after declaring his retirement during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Ashwin touched in at Chennai's Madras International Meenambakkam Airport on Friday morning. During a press conference in Brisbane, India captain Rohit Sharma said that Ashwin would be going home and would not be joining the team for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Close friends, neighbours, and family members welcomed Ashwin with open arms when he arrived. Despite the emotional impact of the event, the veteran spinner took the time to sign autographs and give hugs to the crowd who gathered outside his home. Ashwin, accompanied by his wife and girls, arrived home to cheers and smiles, demonstrating the respect he receives on and off the pitch.
Ashwin was seen walking through the airport's stringent security. He thanked reporters and fans for their understanding while politely refusing questions from the press.
Ashwin's emotional dressing room speech
Following the conclusion of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin gave a moving farewell address in the Indian dressing room at the Gabba. In reference to his friendships with players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, Ashwin stated that he has developed strong bonds with his colleagues, particularly throughout the previous four to five years.
"Even though I am not exhibiting it, it's a truly emotional moment. Thanks Rohit, thanks Virat, thanks Gauti bhai. I am so happy today. 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," Ashwin said in his speech in the dressing room.
"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. 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," he added.