Ravichandran Ashwin’s wife, Prithi Narayanan, shared a heartfelt message honoring her husband’s illustrious career after the legendary Indian spinner announced his retirement from international cricket. The announcement came shortly after the third Test against Australia at the Gabba ended in a draw. With 765 wickets across all formats, Ashwin concluded his career as India’s second-highest wicket-taker, only behind Anil Kumble.
A Tribute to Her “All-Time Favorite Cricketer”
In an emotional post on Instagram, Prithi reflected on Ashwin’s incredible journey, blending her admiration as a partner and a fan. “It has been a blurry two days for me, trying to figure out what to say. Is this a tribute to my all-time favorite cricketer? Or should it be from a partner’s perspective? Maybe it’s a little bit of both,” she wrote.
Recalling their memories, Prithi shared the highs and lows of Ashwin’s career—the significant wins, Player of the Series awards, and quiet moments after intense matches. “I thought of the big wins, the silence in our room after a tough game, the sound of the shower running longer than usual, his scribbles on paper while planning strategies, the constant streaming of game footage, and the calm before each match,” she wrote.
Reflecting on Ashwin’s Legacy
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket. The spinner was a part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team and the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning side. He also holds the record for the most Player of the Series awards in men’s Test cricket (11).
Prithi reminisced about the joyous moments they shared, including victories like the Champions Trophy final, the Sydney draw, and the historic Gabba win. She also recalled the heartbreaks and challenges they endured together.
“An Absolute Pleasure to Watch You”
Expressing her pride, Prithi described it as a privilege to witness Ashwin’s journey up close. “From not knowing how to pack a kit bag to following you around the world, rooting for you, and learning from you, it has been an absolute pleasure,” she wrote.
She praised Ashwin’s relentless work ethic and determination, stating that even the best accolades and records required constant effort to remain relevant. “Your hard work, passion, and discipline taught me so much. Sometimes, even that wasn’t enough, but you never stopped sharpening your skills and putting in the work,” she said.
A New Chapter Begins
As Ashwin transitions away from international cricket, Prithi encouraged him to embrace a life of freedom and joy. “It’s time to set down the burden of being you. Live life on your terms, enjoy some extra calories, spend time with family, and have fun with our kids. Create new bowling variations, share memes all day—just do it all,” she said.
While Ashwin’s international career has come to an end, he plans to continue playing club cricket, leaving fans with the hope of witnessing his brilliance for a while longer. Prithi’s heartfelt words capture the essence of his career and the unwavering support that fueled his journey.
