Emotional father kisses Ashwin during hero's welcome at Chennai residence

A day after announcing his retirement from international cricket midway into the Test series against Australia, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made a quiet early-morning return to the country in Chennai on Thursday.

Ashwin could be seen was escorted out of the Chennai International Airport by local officials as fans took photographs before he left with his family without talking to the waiting media. Ashwin on Wednesday announced retirement with immediate effect in the middle of the five-match Test series that is locked 1-1 after three games.

He will continue to play club cricket, including the IPL, where he will return to play for Chennai Super Kings next year.