Is Ravichandran Ashwin contemplating retirement? Read on to find out

Over recent years, Ravichandran Ashwin has focused on being primarily a Test player. The spin all-rounder has become one of India's most successful players in the red-ball format, especially with the ball. The 37-year-old is second only to Anil Kumble on the list of bowlers with the most Test scalps for India. As Ashwin approaches the latter part of his career, the all-rounder has opened up about his retirement plans. Ashwin, who is ready to play in the upcoming India vs Bangladesh Test series, says that the day he feels he no longer wants to improve will be the day he bids goodbye to the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on his retirement plans ahead of India vs Bangladesh Tests

India has a lengthy Test schedule lined up in the ongoing WTC Cycle. With a total of 10 matches to be played ahead of the 2025 WTC Final, India will return to the format after nine months. When India kicks off the home season against Bangladesh on September 19, Ashwin will return to his home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The veteran has solidified his place as India’s primary spinner in the format, alongside Ravindra Jadeja. The 37-year-old currently looks set to feature in all of the team's upcoming red-ball assignments, including the Border Gavaskar Trophy scheduled in Australia later this year. However, with age gradually catching up, the spinner recently spoke about his retirement plans.

"There is nothing like that in my mind. I am only thinking about one day at a time because when you get older, you have to put in extra effort every single day. It's not the same. I have put in a lot of effort in the last 3-4 years. I haven't decided (retirement), but the day I feel that I don't want to improve anymore, I will leave. That's all," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Currently ranked No.1 in the ICC bowling rankings, Ashwin is the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket. The spinner follows the legendary Anil Kumble, who has 619 wickets to his name. Ashwin, meanwhile, has taken 516 wickets across 100 Tests. For the upcoming India vs Bangladesh Test series, Ashwin will return to the Chepauk ground, where he has claimed 30 wickets in four matches. Moreover, the all-rounder has recorded his best figures of 6/103 at the venue, where he currently averages 23.60.