Ravichandran Ashwin may have bid farewell to the cricket field, but he continues to win hearts off it. The veteran off-spinner lit up Instagram on Friday by posting a warm, romantic picture with his wife Prithi Narayanan, reminding fans that beyond the numbers and milestones, there is a man deeply devoted to family and love.
Ashwin’s post comes weeks after he announced the end of his Indian Premier League journey.
Having retired from international cricket in December 2024, the 38-year-old confirmed that he would no longer feature in the
IPL, signing off with
Chennai Super Kings, the franchise where his story began.
Ashwin's Instagram post
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin revealed that the demanding three-month tournament had taken a toll.
“I was thinking if I can play IPL next year. Three months of IPL is a little too much for me. It’s draining. This is one of the reasons why I’m awe-struck by seeing someone like MS Dhoni. As you grow older, the bandwidth to play IPL becomes lesser,” he admitted.
His candid reflections came amid speculation about CSK’s auction strategy, but Ashwin clarified that the decision was personal.
He also hinted at exploring global opportunities, with links to The Hundred in England and South Africa’s SA20.
“They say every ending has a new start,” he wrote in his farewell message. “My time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today.”
Over 16 IPL seasons, Ashwin played 221 matches, taking 187 wickets with an economy rate of 7.20, while also contributing 833 runs. His tactical acumen and fighting spirit made him a vital asset across teams including CSK, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rising Pune Supergiant.
As he embraces life after the IPL, Ashwin’s romantic gesture online shows that while cricket may have defined his career, love and family continue to define the man.
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