In a surprising turn of events, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket midway through the Border-Gavaskar series, at the conclusion of the third Test at the Gabba. For fans like me, who have admired Ashwin’s journey from the sidelines, this moment felt like the end of an extraordinary era.
Ashwin’s career has been nothing short of phenomenal—537 Test wickets, countless match-winning performances, and the quiet intelligence that made him not just a cricketer but a master craftsman. Beyond the records and achievements, though, Ashwin’s story has offered lessons that anyone, even non-cricket lovers, can carry into their own lives.
Adaptability is the Key to Success
At every step of his career, Ashwin proved that staying relevant requires adaptability. When finger spinners were being written off in the fast-evolving game, Ashwin didn’t just rely on his natural talent—he reinvented himself.
From introducing the carrom ball to its trickier cousin, the reverse carrom ball, experimenting with leg-breaks, or even pausing dramatically in his bowling stride, Ashwin showcased that evolution is not optional—it’s essential. He wasn’t content with being good; he aimed for greatness.
Ashwin teaches us that whether you’re a cricketer, an artist, or a professional in any field, you must keep upgrading your craft. Learn something new, stay curious, and never get too comfortable where you are.
Mindset Matters More Than Anything Else
One of Ashwin’s most iconic moments came not with the ball but with the bat, during the Sydney Test in 2021. He revealed in an interview that before the match, he could barely stand up due to a back injury. His wife and daughter had to help him put on his clothes. Yet, Ashwin walked out to bat with Hanuma Vihari, battling for hours to ensure India eked out a heroic draw.
That day, it wasn’t skill but sheer mental toughness that got Ashwin through. His story reminds us that our mindset—the ability to fight through adversity and trust in ourselves—can help us achieve what seems impossible.
In life, challenges will come—at work, in relationships, or in personal struggles. Like Ashwin, the key is to show up, push through the pain, and keep moving forward.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Ashwin’s career hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Despite being India’s best spinner, he often found himself benched during overseas tours in favour of other players. For many, this could have been demoralising, even career-ending. But not for Ashwin.
Instead of complaining, he chose to work harder. He re-emerged, time and again, proving his worth with match-winning spells and unforgettable performances. His ability to bounce back teaches us a vital lesson: setbacks are not the end. They are just opportunities to prepare for a stronger comeback.
Ashwin’s resilience is a reminder that failure isn’t final. If you stay committed to your journey, success will find its way back to you.
Balance Confidence with Humility
Despite his achievements and records, Ashwin remains one of cricket’s most grounded personalities. He carries himself with a mix of quiet confidence and genuine humility.
In my interactions with him during interviews at RevSportz, this humility shone through. Ashwin could talk about cricket for hours, his eyes lighting up with curiosity and passion. Not once did he come across as someone burdened by his own stardom. He listened, reflected, and shared insights with the enthusiasm of someone who still saw himself as a student of the game.
Whether you’re at the top of your career or just starting out, Ashwin’s example shows that success doesn’t mean losing your humility. Be proud of what you’ve achieved, but stay open to learning and improving.
🚨Ravichandran Ashwin – redefining greatness in Test cricket!
– 537 wickets (7th all-time, 2nd most for India)
– Fastest to 250, 300, 350 wkts
– 4 Tests with a 100 + 5-wicket haul
– ICC Cricketer of the Year 2016 & named in ICC Test Team of the Decade 2011-20Thank You legend… pic.twitter.com/a1WcKXwsoJ
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) December 18, 2024
Passion Drives Purpose
What sets Ashwin apart is his love for cricket. He is, as Harbhajan Singh described, a “cricket ka keeda”—someone whose passion for the game runs deeper than statistics or titles.
This passion was evident in everything he did, whether it was mastering the carrom ball, learning to bat with grit, or spending hours studying opposition batters. For Ashwin, cricket was never just a job; it was a purpose-driven pursuit.
The lesson here? Whatever you do, do it with passion. Whether you’re an artist, an engineer, or a journalist, let your love for your craft guide you. Because when you’re driven by passion, success becomes a natural byproduct.
As Ashwin bids farewell to international cricket, his legacy will live on—not just in the record books but in the life lessons his journey offers. Adaptability, mental toughness, resilience, humility, and passion—these are qualities that transcend cricket.
Ashwin’s career reminds us that life, much like sport, is about constantly evolving, facing challenges head-on, and striving to be the best version of yourself. For those of us watching his story unfold, the message is clear: master your craft, trust your process, and never stop learning.
Thank you, Ravi Ashwin, for teaching us that the real victories are not always on the scoreboard, but in the way we approach life.