BIPIN DANI
Since R Ashwin, the acclaimed Indian cricketer, announced his retirement from international cricket last week, tributes from around the globe have been pouring in, honouring his illustrious career. Among these tributes, one stands out for its personal and poignant touch – a love letter from his wife, Prithi Ashwin, shared on her Instagram account.
In her heartfelt message, Prithi reflects on their journey together, spanning over thirteen years. She recalls the small and big moments that have defined their life, both on and off the cricket field. From the exhilaration of major victories and Man of the Series awards to the quiet moments of reflection after intense games, Prithi’s words paint a vivid picture of their shared experiences.
She describes the routine and rituals that accompanied Ashwin’s cricketing life – the prolonged showers post-match, the scratching of pencil on paper as he jotted down thoughts, the endless video footage as he crafted game plans, and the meditative calm before every game. Prithi’s letter captures the essence of a life dedicated to cricket, filled with highs of joy and lows of heartbreak.
Prithi also reminisces about the times they celebrated monumental wins and the moments of silence when their hearts were broken. Her message to Ashwin is one of love, admiration, and deep understanding. She encourages him to embrace the new chapter of his life, urging him to live on his terms, indulge in life’s simple pleasures, and spend time with family.
In a beautiful conclusion, Prithi writes, “Dear Ashwin, from not knowing how to put a kit bag together to following you to stadiums all over the world, rooting for you, watching you and learning from you, it has been an absolute pleasure. It is time to set the burden of being you down. Live life on your terms, make space for those extra calories, make time for your family, make time to do absolutely nothing, share memes all day, create a new bowling variation, bug our kids out of their minds. Just do it all.”
As the cricketing world bids farewell to one of its greats, Prithi Ashwin’s tribute stands as a testament to the love and support that has been the cornerstone of R Ashwin’s remarkable career.
