R Ashwin’s painful retirement: That season with CSK was mentally troubling, decision had to be taken forcibly’

News India Live, Digital Desk: Indian cricket’s legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has surprised fans around the world by announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket. But the story behind his decision is very emotional and ‘painful’. In a recent interview, Ashwin revealed that his last season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was so mentally exhausting that he was forced to take this big step. He clearly said that he could have played longer, but whatever happened had broken him from within.

‘Painful and disturbing’: Ashwin reveals pain

Ashwin revealed that the treatment he faced or the conditions he faced in the CSK camp during IPL 2026 was quite “mentally disturbing”. Ashwin, who returned to his old team CSK after years, was hopeful that his journey would be a memorable one. However, he said, “That season was quite painful. I was still physically fit and could play, but cricket came short before mental health. I was made to feel like I was no longer needed.”

The journey with Dhoni and CSK remained incomplete

The news of Ashwin’s retirement is much discussed because he started his career with this team and it was under the captaincy of MS Dhoni that he became the best spinner in the world. Fans were hoping that Ashwin would bid farewell while playing with Dhoni on the Chepauk ground, but circumstances forced him to leave the field prematurely. He indicated that there were some things that displeased him regarding team management and selection of playing eleven.

More than 500 test wickets and a brilliant career

Ashwin may be leaving with a heavy heart, but his career is no less than an example. Ashwin has been one of India’s most successful spinners, taking more than 500 wickets in Test cricket. He not only made the giants dance with his spin, but also came down the order and won matches for Team India with his brilliant batting many times. His retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket, and he will always be remembered as the magician of the ‘carrom ball’.

Wave of mourning among fans and cricket world

After Ashwin’s sudden retirement and the revelations made by him, both anger and sadness of the fans are being seen on social media. Many cricket experts believe that a player like Ashwin should not have retired in this manner. However, Ashwin has now started preparing for his second innings and has indicated that he will remain associated with the game through coaching or commentary in the future.