Someone who stalks Ravichandran Ashwin almost on a daily basis would have zero idea that a retirement video would be coming soon for a man who started his day with an online chess tournament. Fair enough, things and tenures do end, like Ashwin's did, leaving behind bittersweet memories, hugs, friends, partnership, and grit. Ravichandran Ashwin, who had been a regular name in the recent past in Indian cricket, pulled off his 14 years of international career and has posted a video on his Instagram. The one who has edited that did it nicely, bringing tears to a good number of fans—the man practicing, having chats with his teammates, jumping up in the air, a dressing room full of young guys clapping for him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashwin (@rashwin99) "Come on Ash bhai" Even Ashwin spoke up laughing at Rishabh Pant shifting gears, from "Ash Bhai to "Ash" only. But that call, rather, cheer won't be a regular one. Pant, who used to be tireless behind the stumps with his Ashwin-chant had made a final good-bye clicking a photo of him, having Siraj by their side. Back in 2021, when he became the second fastest bowler to take 400 wickets, he assured to improve further but warned with a mild laugh, "I worked very hard on my fitness during the lockdown to get the body ready for the next 3-4 years. This body is ageing." He probably had set the timeline—and that three-four years passed by within days, so analarmed that a hug in the dressing room shocked everyone. The hugs from his OGs The video "Anna" shared had a very comforting frame—the stand-in Test captain of 2020-21 BGT, giving a hug to Ashwin. The hug came right after sealing a draw at Sydney—good old memories for any Indian Cricket fan. Hanuma Vihari, the other injured man for India, stayed with Ashwin and batted 42.4 overs, sealing a draw. Ashwin as suffering from severe back pain—that he couldn't even sit when he went inside for lunch during the match. Chirps from the bad-mouth Aussies failed in front of the two bruised men. After that, came the hug from his "Rahane," whom he thanked for catching a number of balls at the slips. The hug that sparked his retirement rumours was from his "Virat," who himself got emotional and listened to everything. And the hug that closed the chapter was from his captain, "Rohit" the moment he left, making his retirement announcement. Anna- the man beyond records In cricket, numbers often narrate greatness, but Ravichandran Ashwin’s legacy transcends mere stats. Yes, the Indian maestro’s 765 international wickets, 37 five-fors, eight 10-wicket hauls, and six Test centuries are staggering. Yet, they only scratch the surface of a career defined by wit, audacity, and unmatched game sense. In the 2022 T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan at the MCG, the nerve-wracking clash was when India needed just two runs and Ashwin faced the final ball. With nerves of steel, he nonchalantly let a wide drift past and followed it up with a deftly lofted drive to seal the win. It wasn’t just a stroke; it was a moment of genius that epitomized his cricketing brain. Walk back to 2016 in Indore against New Zealand. Ashwin spun webs of deceit, bagging 13 wickets to script a 321-run victory. Or his Chepauk heroics in 2021, where he scored a century and took eight wickets, carrying India to a commanding win against England. Ashwin wasn’t just a player; he was a match-winner, a thinker, and a poet in motion. For every dismissal or boundary, there was a story—crafted with intellect, audacity, and love for the game. His legacy is not etched in numbers but in moments that made cricket magical. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam) Thank you, Anna. Thank you, Ash. Thank you, Ravichandran Ashwin.