Recently retired, R Ashwin stated that he has no regrets about his career, including missing the opportunity to captain the senior men’s national team. However, the off-spinner added that he believed he was capable of leading the side and would have enjoyed the responsibility if given the chance.
Ashwin captained his state team in age-group cricket and at the first-class level. He also led Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for two seasons—2018 and 2019. However, the spin-bowling great never had the opportunity to lead India in Test cricket. He was not even recognised with the vice-captaincy role in the longest format of the game.
“It’s interesting. I am smart enough to know what works for me and what doesn’t for another person. When I started my career, I got first-class captaincy very early. I have won a few tournaments for my team. I believe I had it in me. But I did not have any regret that I didn’t go on to lead my country because these are not things that I can control,” Ashwin told Sky Sports Podcast.
“I have realised somebody needs to feel that I am good enough to lead the team, I need to get another 15-20 people to come along with me for me to be able to lead the team. It wasn’t meant for me in this particular chapter of my life.
“I don’t think this office or corporate felt I was good enough to lead the team. That doesn’t mean I am not good enough for leadership. Leadership, you don’t need a title to do that because, within me, I was a great leader in that group to be able to contribute to other people’s success. I looked out for zones of contribution. I did it to the best of my ability,” he added.
“I do not have regrets, but I do think it would have been something I would have enjoyed,” he added.
Ashwin also captained in the Tamil Nadu Premier League and led the Dindigul Dragons to a title as recently as the 2024 season. While Ashwin has retired from international cricket, the off-spinner will feature for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.
Ashwin was bought for Rs 9.75 crore by the Super Kings at the IPL mega auction in November. The off-spinner is expected to play a key role on his homecoming to the Chennai-based franchise.
Ashwin surprised many by announcing his retirement midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The off-spinner made the announcement after the third Test of the series in Brisbane on 18 December. Ashwin opted not to stay with the team for the remainder of the series and returned home the following day.
India have roped in Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian as Ashwin’s replacement for the final two Tests of the series. India and Australia are set to face off in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
