R Ashwin (PTI file photo)
Hours after announcing his retirement from all forms of international cricket, R Ashwin will be taking the flight back home. It is understood that India's premier off-spinner is already at the airport (at the time of writing this news piece) and was given a nice send-off by the members of the Indian cricket team.
Due to paucity of time and timing of his flight, a full-fledged get together or dinner wasn't possible.
"Everyone said nice words to him, about him and gave him a very nice and emotional send-off. Yes, he is flying out of Brisbane tonight only and due to lack of enough time, a proper gathering wasn't possible at the team hotel," says a well-placed source.
Ashwin accompanied Rohit Sharma for the post-match press-conference where he made a rather quick announcement about his retirement. After that, there were emotional scenes in the dressing room where the legendary cricketer delivered a speech which left most teary-eyed.
"The international cricketer in me might have come to an end but the cricket nut in me will never come to an end. I will be looking forward to each one of your performances and all the very best," a very emotional signed off.
R Ashwin announces retirement from Test cricket
He was given a special jersey by opposition captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. There were plenty of hugs, shake hands as he made his way out of the press-conference area and everyone had the same look of shock on their face. Clearly no one saw that coming but Ashwin it seems was clear in his mind. So much so that he checked out of the team hotel just a few hours after calling time on an international career which lasted over 14 years.
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