India's retired veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has claimed that he wanted to extend his career till his 100th Test match. He also claimed that he had invited his former teammate MS Dhoni, who happened to be his captain as well. In March 2024, Ravichandran Aswin played his 100th Test match in Dharmshala at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. It was the fifth match of the England home series, and his family was invited while Ash was presented with a blue baggy printed "100" on it. India won that match by 64 runs and an innings, after he dominated the Test match, scalping overall 9 heads in it. Speaking to the Hindustan Times in a book launching event, Ashwin recalled his thoughts of hanging his boots that day. Not only that, he wanted his former captain MS to present him the day's memento, but the later could not make it to the field. In the interview he said, “I called MS Dhoni for my 100th Test in Dharamshala to hand over the memento. I wanted to make that my last Test. But he couldn’t make it. However, I didn’t think he would give me the gift of getting me back to CSK. It’s a much better one. So, thank you, MS, for doing it. I’m glad to be here." Read also: Corbin Bosch’s IPL Move Turns Messy as PCB Serves Legal Notice Ashwin retired, feeling no longer needed Ravichandran Ashwin bid farewell to international cricket after the third Test against Australia in Brisbane in 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy, marking the end of a stellar career. The veteran off-spinner amassed 765 wickets across all formats, including 537 in Tests—second only to Anil Kumble among Indians. A key figure in India's spin attack, he holds the record for the most Player of the Series awards (11) and was the fastest to 350 Test wickets. His crucial knock in the 2022 T20 World Cup against Pakistan remains unforgettable. Ashwin’s Test dominance in home conditions was unparalleled, but overseas, he often faced selection dilemmas. Despite fluctuations in his white-ball career, he made comebacks, featuring in the 2023 ODI World Cup. In the post-match pressy at Gabba, Rohit Sharma acknowledged Ashwin’s decision was well thought out and revealed that he had convinced him to stay for the pink-ball Test. However, the shocking revelation was Ashwin happy to bid adieu if he was not needed in the team anymore. Meanwhile, Ashwin leaves as the highest wicket-taker in the World Test Championship, cementing his legacy.