Speaking at a graduation ceremony in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin ignited a discussion about the status of Hindi in India. Addressing the audience, Ashwin clarified, “Hindi is an official language, not the national language.” The comment received widespread attention, as the use of Hindi remains a sensitive issue in Tamil Nadu.
Addressing the Crowd with Humor
During his speech, Ashwin engaged with the audience by gauging their language preferences. He began by asking, “How many of you understand English? Give me a cheer.” The audience responded enthusiastically. Ashwin then asked the same for Tamil, which elicited an even louder roar. Finally, he inquired about Hindi, but the response was notably muted.
Observing the reaction, Ashwin remarked, “I thought I should mention this: Hindi is an official language, not the national language.” The comment was met with applause, highlighting the cultural sentiment in Tamil Nadu, where the imposition of Hindi has often been met with resistance.
“I Never Chased Captaincy”
Ashwin also touched upon his cricketing journey during the event, reflecting on his career and his approach to leadership. “I never pursued captaincy,” he shared, despite widespread calls for him to lead the team at various points in his career. Explaining his mindset, he added, “When someone says I can’t do something, I feel motivated to prove them wrong. But when they say I can, I lose interest.”
Retirement from International Cricket
Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024 after a storied career. He announced his decision following the Gabba Test against Australia, where he concluded his career as India’s second-highest wicket-taker across all formats, with only Anil Kumble ahead of him.
In his retirement statement, Ashwin said, “Today marks my last day as an Indian cricketer in all international formats. While I believe I still have some cricket left in me, I want to channel that energy into club-level cricket.” He confirmed his intention to continue playing domestic cricket for Tamil Nadu and represent Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL.
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket are remarkable, with 537 Test wickets to his name. His recent remarks about language have further solidified his image as a figure unafraid to express his opinions. As he transitions into the next phase of his career, his voice is likely to remain influential, both on and off the field.
