Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career. Ashwin revealed his decision during the post-match press conference after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane, which ended in a rain-affected draw.
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level,” Ashwin stated. “I do feel there’s a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer, but I would like to expose and probably showcase that in club level cricket, but this will be the last day. I’ve had a lot of fun.”
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The 37-year-old spinner reflected on his time with the Indian cricket team, acknowledging the special memories he created alongside teammates like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. “We are the last bunch of OGs, if you can say that, left out of the dressing room,” Ashwin added. “I’d be marking this as my date of having played at this level.”
Impressive Career Statistics
Ashwin leaves behind an incredible legacy with 537 wickets in 106 Tests at an average of 24. He ranks as India’s second-leading wicket-taker in Tests, behind the legendary Anil Kumble. Ashwin also made significant contributions with the bat, scoring six centuries and 14 fifties.
Ashwin’s last international game was the day-night Test in Adelaide, where he took 1-53. His retirement announcement came shortly after an emotional moment when TV visuals showed Ashwin being embraced by Virat Kohli on the balcony of the dressing room during the rain delay.
In addition to his Test career, Ashwin played 116 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), claiming 156 wickets. He was part of India’s victorious teams in the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He also represented India in 65 T20I matches, taking 72 wickets.
Gratitude And Acknowledgments
Ashwin expressed his gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), his teammates, and coaches who had supported him throughout his career. “I want to name a few of them—Rohit, Virat (Kohli), Ajinkya (Rahane), (Cheteshwar) Pujara,” Ashwin said. “I also want to thank the Australian cricket team for being fierce competitors. I’ve enjoyed my time playing against them.”
Ashwin’s contribution to Indian cricket was significant, particularly in Tests, where he played a starring role in India’s dominance at home for over a decade. He was one of the few allrounders to have clinched the double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests. Ashwin also holds a record for 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, a feat he shares with Sri Lanka’s Muthiah Muralitharan.
A Farewell To The Game He Loves
As Ashwin reflected on his career, he expressed his deep emotional connection to the sport. “It’s truly a very emotional moment,” he admitted. “I might go on to be involved with the game because this is a game that’s given me everything.”
Ashwin concluded his retirement announcement by thanking the media and his fans for their support over the years. “Thanks for being the journalist that you’ve been, writing good things and, of course, writing nasty things on occasions,” he said with a smile. “I hope the cricketers to come in the future will also get the same amount of love that you’ve given them.”
With his retirement, Ravichandran Ashwin closes the chapter on a remarkable international cricket career, but his involvement with the game may continue in other capacities.
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