Ashwin’s Last Spell:
Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement yesterday.
Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when you’ve been as phenomenal as Ravichandran Ashwin. Over 500 Test wickets, 30 five-wicket hauls, and countless moments of pure genius. He didn’t just play cricket; he dissected it like a scientist and performed like an artist.
So, why would someone this good call it a day? The answer lies in the beautiful paradox of life: knowing when to hold on and when to let go. Retirement isn’t about how many wickets you’ve taken or runs you’ve scored; it’s about how much gas you’ve got left in the tank—and how you want to be remembered.
Athletes retire for different reasons. Some bow out gracefully to avoid decline; others do it to prioritize their health or spend more time with loved ones. And some, like Ashwin, probably realize that they’ve achieved everything they could. There’s no shame in that—it’s smart, even courageous.
When is the best time to retire? When you’ve still got your head high, when your peers respect you, and when you feel at peace. Ashwin’s decision shows us that the scoreboard isn’t everything. Sometimes, the greatest victory is walking away with your legacy intact.
So the best time to hang your boots is ideally when you’ve given everything, and your heart tells you it’s time to stop chasing, and start savouring.
This is the art of knowing when to stop.
Ashwin’s retirement reminds us of an important life lesson: every great story needs a fitting end.
It does not matter if you are a legend or not.
About the author: Hemant is the Founder & CEO of branding and marketing firm ”Neeti Brand Accelerator” in Mumbai. He is a brand strategist and has worked with more than 150 brands during last two decades. He is also mentor and coach to SMEs and startups. You can visit the website www.www.neeti.biz. You can contact him at hemant@neeti.biz
