Ravichandran Ashwin has finally opened up about his unexpected exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL), explaining that he now wishes to feature in overseas competitions. The seasoned off-spinner ended his 17-year association with the tournament after officially announcing his retirement on social media.

Sharing his thoughts, Ashwin noted that he has always chosen unconventional routes in his career and reaffirmed that cricket continues to be the biggest source of happiness in his life. He stressed that he plans to carry on playing and enjoying the sport.

“It may not have been the most carefully planned decision, but my way of life has always been about taking the less-travelled path. I don’t deliberately avoid going in any particular direction, but I won’t deny that the thought of playing overseas has always been in my mind. At this stage of my career, I really want to enjoy cricket to the fullest and make sure I have no regrets. Cricket has always been a source of immense joy for me, and I will definitely continue playing the gamen,” Ashwin said on his Youtube channel.

The 37-year-old acknowledged that the demanding schedule of the IPL had affected him both physically and mentally, describing it as exhausting.

“I did think about whether I should play the IPL next season. Three months of IPL feels quite long and exhausting. At this stage of my life, I want to play, but it takes a huge toll. That’s why I truly admire someone like MS Dhoni as he plays for three months. The constant travel, matches, and recovery in such a short span aren’t easy. With age, recovery takes longer, and before you’re fully ready, the next game comes around. I considered all these factors carefully, especially from a health perspective,” he added.

Ashwin further revealed that he has already enrolled in a foreign league, although he stopped short of revealing which one it was.

“I did think about moving into coaching right away, but then I felt there’s still some cricket left in me. That’s why I want to keep playing. Playing overseas also offers a unique experience as you can enjoy the game, and life feels different when you’re not constantly recognized on the streets. I can’t be on the field for 10 months a year. I’ll wait for the right opportunities and see how I fit into different teams’ plans. In fact, I’ve already registered for one such league. Let’s see how things unfold,” Ashwin concluded.