"Grand sendoffs are a part of super celebrity culture" - R Ashwin makes stunning statement days after retirement in the middle of BGT 2024-25

Retired Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin gave his opinion on players receiving grand send-offs during their retirement from the cricket field. The champion off-spinner believed that grand farewells were wrong and he would have never wanted to receive one.

The 38-year-old shockingly bid farewell to international cricket after the third Test of the ongoing five-match series against Australia in Brisbane. The veteran's final Test was the second game of the series at Adelaide, but he only managed one wicket.

Speaking to presenter Gobinath on his YouTube channel, Ashwin suggested that extravagant send-offs give rise to celebrity culture. He said (via India Today):

"As far as I am concerned, grand farewells are wrong. I don't think you should give grand farewell ceremonies to anyone. Especially, I firmly believe that you shouldn't give me a grand farewell. I don't want anyone shedding a drop of tear for me. I think grand send-offs are part of a super celebrity culture.

"I understand we run behind someone for the love we have for them. But I feel that people should get inspired by one's achievements, the legacy that one leaves behind, the way one left the game, and the way one has spoken about the game. But farewells are wrong, I think."

Having made his red-ball debut for India in 2012, the Tamil Nadu-born cricketer took 537 wickets in 106 matches.

"I didn’t cry even one bit" - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin. (Image Credits: Getty)

Ashwin further added that playing cricket was a part of his life which he completed without any regrets. He said that he had several other things to keep himself engaged. He said:

"I quit this part of my life. It was a full stop to that part of my life. I can talk cricket, I do YouTube, I love coaching. I can keep myself happy around cricket. I will stay connected with cricket. I don’t have any regrets; I am not angry at anyone. I didn’t cry even one bit. No one else is responsible for my retirement. If there’s someone, I am not aware of it."

The veteran's final international match saw India lose to Australia by ten wickets in Adelaide.