Ravichandran Ashwin received a warm welcome on Thursday as he returned home after his surprise international retirement in the middle of a Test series in Australia. There was a shower of flower petals, plenty of smiles, and even a live band to celebrate his return. Ashwin, who decided to retire at the age of 38 with 765 international wickets to his name, arrived at Chennai International Airport early in the morning. He was greeted by officials from the state cricket association and escorted out of the airport. Although Ashwin did not speak to the media gathered at the airport, he was seen getting into his car, where his wife, Prithi, and their two daughters were waiting for him. Ashwin later expressed that his decision was “instinctive” and that he had “zero regrets” about walking away from international cricket.

Ashwin’s retirement, which caught many by surprise, came as a bold and instinctive decision. He chose to step away from international cricket while still at the peak of his career. Despite the shock, Ashwin expressed that he had no regrets about his decision. In his statement, he emphasized that it was an emotional choice, one that felt right in the moment, and he walked away from the game with a sense of fulfillment.

As Ashwin made his way out of the airport, he was escorted by officials from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. While the media was waiting to hear from him, the veteran cricketer chose not to make any public comments at the time.

Ashwin’s sudden departure from the international stage marks the end of an illustrious career that spanned over a decade. Known for his exceptional bowling skills, Ashwin was one of India’s most successful spinners, particularly in Test cricket, where he made significant contributions. His retirement leaves a void in Indian cricket, but Ashwin’s legacy will continue to inspire many.