India’s legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket following the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane. The 38-year-old leaves the field with a stellar record of 537 wickets in 106 Tests, second only to Anil Kumble’s 619 in Indian cricket history.
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level,” Ashwin said during an emotional press conference at the Gabba. “I feel there’s still some cricket left in me, but I’d like to channel that into club-level cricket.”
A Career Filled with Memories
Reflecting on his illustrious journey, Ashwin expressed gratitude for the memories he created with his teammates, including Indian captain Rohit Sharma. “I had a lot of fun and made countless memories alongside Rohit and many others,” he shared.
Final Chapter in a Storied Career
Ashwin’s final Test appearance came in the second Test of the series in Adelaide, where he claimed a wicket during India’s 10-wicket loss. He was not selected for the opening Test in Perth or the final match in Brisbane.
Rohit Sharma revealed that Ashwin had initially planned to retire after the Perth Test but was persuaded to stay on for Adelaide. “As a team, we respect his decision,” Rohit said. “He’s had a phenomenal career and has been a match-winner for us. The team fully supports his choice to step away.”
Tributes Pour In from the Cricketing World
Australian captain Pat Cummins lauded Ashwin as a fierce competitor and an all-time great. “There aren’t many finger spinners with his longevity and success. He’s earned immense respect in our dressing room,” Cummins remarked.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Ashwin’s contributions extended beyond his bowling prowess. With the bat, he scored 3,503 runs in Test cricket, including six centuries and 14 half-centuries. His all-round skills made him a vital asset to the Indian team.
In a career spanning over a decade, Ashwin also played 116 One-Day Internationals and 65 T20Is, amassing an impressive total of 765 wickets across all formats.
Farewell to a Cricketing Icon
Debuting in 2011 against the West Indies, Ashwin quickly established himself as one of the finest spinners in the world. His departure marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, but his contributions will forever be etched in the annals of the sport.
