Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket: A Legendary Career Comes to an End

India’s iconic spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, effective immediately, following the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane. Ashwin shared the news in a press conference after the match ended in a draw. The 38-year-old will return to India on Thursday.

Speaking at the press conference, Ashwin stated, “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. Although I feel there’s still some cricket left in me, I plan to showcase that at the club level.”

Reflecting on his journey, Ashwin expressed gratitude to his teammates and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He thanked Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara for their support, along with the coaching staff who shaped his career. He also acknowledged his fierce rivalry with the Australian cricket team, saying he cherished every moment playing against them.

Ashwin, visibly emotional, declined to take questions from the media, stating, “This is a very personal moment, and I’m not in the right frame of mind to answer questions. I thank you all for your support, whether it was positive or critical. This relationship with the media will always remain special.”

Ashwin retires as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 537 wickets in 106 matches at an impressive average of 24. Only Anil Kumble, with 619 wickets, stands above him in the record books. Ashwin also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 3503 runs, including six centuries and 14 fifties, making him one of the few all-rounders with over 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests.

In limited-overs cricket, Ashwin played 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is, picking up 156 and 72 wickets, respectively. His last appearance in Indian colors came during the 2023 ODI World Cup against Australia in Chennai.

Ashwin confirmed he would continue playing T20 cricket, representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025. CSK acquired him at the recent IPL auction for INR 9.75 crore, marking his return to the franchise where his IPL journey began.

While bidding farewell to international cricket, Ashwin hinted at staying connected to the sport beyond playing. “As a cricketer, I’ve retired from India duties, but I will remain involved in the game. Cricket has given me everything, and I plan to give back to it in some capacity.”

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who joined Ashwin at the press conference, emphasized that the decision was deeply personal. “When a player like Ashwin, who has been a match-winner for us, decides to step away, we must respect his choice. He was clear about his decision, and we fully support him,” Rohit said.

Ashwin’s career is defined by his record-breaking performances and consistency. He is tied with Muttiah Muralitharan for the most Player of the Series awards (11) in Tests. As a spinner and an all-rounder, his contributions have been monumental, making him a cornerstone of Indian cricket for over a decade.

With his departure, Indian cricket loses one of its brightest stars, but fans can look forward to seeing him in action during the IPL and other domestic leagues.

Image Credits: NDTV Sports

Read More At: Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep’s Heroic 10th-Wicket Partnership Helps India Avoid Follow-On in Brisbane Test