Ravichandran Ashwin returned to his Chennai home the day after announcing his retirement from international cricket, receiving a warm welcome that reflected the emotions of fans and family. 

As he stepped into his residence, the gravity of the decision seemed to settle in for a million fans. However, while talking to the media, he expressed his sense of relief at the announcement. 

"It’s emotional for many, and it may take time to sink in. But for me, it’s a great sense of relief," he shared. “The decision had been on my mind for a while, but it was instinctive. I felt it on day 4 and made the call on day 5.”

Ashwin’s announcement came just after the Brisbane Test ended in a draw, accompanied by an emotional moment with Virat Kohli, which fuelled speculation. Later, speaking alongside captain Rohit Sharma, Ashwin confirmed his retirement.

Ashwin's legacy in international cricket is sealed with 537 wickets from 106 Tests, alongside 3,503 runs. Yet, his journey in cricket isn't over. "I'm going to play for CSK, and don’t be surprised if I continue playing for as long as I can," he remarked, leaving fans excited for his future in the IPL. While his time as an Indian cricketer has ended, the cricketer within him is far from finished, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations.