'I Promised Myself India Won't Lose Another Home Series After 2012': Ravichandran Ashwin
Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, in a recent revealed about a promise he made to himself very early into his career, vowed that India would never lose another home series. Ashwin, who retired from international cricket after the third Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, leaves the game as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 wickets from 106 matches.
The BCCI played a special tribute video showcasing his career milestones and moments that are unforgettable. In the video, Ashwin reflected on his promise made after India lost a series to England in 2012, which was their first home loss since 2004. "Look, I don't know where to begin, honestly, I think. I made myself a promise in 2012. We lost the series against England, a tricky one. It was very early in my career and I was just telling myself, we're not going to lose another one ever, and that's what I promised myself . How many wickets you take, how many hour runs you make, in 10 years' time, you won't remember them. It's the memories that matters," Ashwin said.
After that 2012 loss, India went on to win a record 18 consecutive home series. Ashwin played a huge part in this remarkable run, taking 320 wickets in 53 matches at an average of 20.04, including 24 five-wicket hauls and five ten-wicket hauls. He also contributed 1505 runs from 64 innings, with three centuries and six fifties.
Despite India's excellent home record, Ashwin saw the team lose their first home series in over a decade when they were whitewashed 0-3 by New Zealand in November 2024.
Reflecting on his career, Ashwin stated that he never thought of achieving so much. "If someone had told me in 2011 that I'd end up with so many wickets and retire in 2024, I wouldn't have believed them," he admitted. "I loved the game, but I never imagined receiving this much love, taking so many wickets, and scoring runs. I'm truly grateful for all the support and challenges."
Ashwin's last Test played was against Australia at Adelaide where he scored 22 and 7 and picked up 1/53 in 18 overs. He is now on level with Muttiah Muralidharan and is one of those two with 11 Player of the Series awards while also claiming 10 Player of the Match awards.
SEE ALSO: Watch: Afridi's Hat Trick on T20 Debut Makes History in Champions T20 Cup