Ashwin eager to play on in IPL despite international retirement

Ravichandran Ashwin is eager to continue his career despite his shock retirement from international cricket following the conclusion of the third Test between Australia and India on Wednesday.

The Indian spinner, who took 537 wickets and hit 3,503 runs over his 14-year Test career, shared that he has his sights set on a long IPL career still.

“I don’t think Ashwin the cricketer is done,” he said upon his return to Chennai from Australia.

“I think only Ashwin the Indian cricketer called time.

“I think that part for me is still burning bright.

“I am going to play for CSK and don’t be surprised if I aspire to play for as long as I can.”

The 38-year-old played for Chennai Super Kings from 2008-2015 and has been re-signed by the Indian Premier League franchise for the 2025 edition of the tournament.

Cricket bookmakers have Chennai as second-favourites at +550 to win their sixth IPL title next season, just behind Mumbai Indians (+450).

Ashwin explained his decision to retire further on Thursday after being greeted by an adoring Indian public at the Chennai airport.

“It’s emotional for a lot of people, and maybe it will sink in but for me, personally, it is a great sense of relief and satisfaction,” he said.

“It was very instinctive and it has been running in my head for a while.

“I just felt it on day four (of the Australia Test) and I just called it a day.

“To be honest, we all go through a lot in our career, not only for cricketers but in general.

“Generally, when I go to sleep I remember a lot of things like taking wickets, making runs, but those memories are not there in the last two years.

“So, that was a clear indication that we need to take a different route now.

“I have not set any new goals, as I just want to relax now.

“Actually, it’s difficult for me to stay inactive, but I want to try that now.”

With no more Ashwin in their squad, India will take on Australia in the fourth Test of their series on Boxing Day in Melbourne.

Cricket betting sites have the visitors as +187 underdogs, with the five-Test series level at 1-1 after three matches.

Australia are paying -163.93 for victory at Bovada, while a draw is at +900.

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