Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday announced his retirement from international cricket just after the Gabba Test ended in draw leaving Australia vs India series tied at 1-1. He played only one of the first three Tests of the ongoing series in Australia, taking 1 for 53 in the day-night fixture in Adelaide.
Speaking to press after the end of the final Ashwin said, This is my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at international level. I do feel there is a punch left inside me as a cricketer that I will like to showcase at club level cricket but this will be the last day."
He added, "I've had a lot of fun, I've made a lot of memories with Rohit (Sharma) and several of my other teammates, even though we've lost some of them over the last couple of years. We are last bunch of OGs, if we can say that."
The off-spinner described it as an emotional moment and didn't wish to take questions after making his statement. He said, "I don't think I'm in a position where I'd be answering the questions in the right way," .
Ravichandran Ashwin announces his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 18, 2024
Congratulations on a brilliant career pic.twitter.com/UHWAFmMwC0
The BCCI congratulated Ashwin for his contribution to Indian cricket. Taking to X, BCCI posted, "Thank You Ashwin . A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation. The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket. Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024
A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation
The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.
Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA
R Ashwin retires from international cricket
Ashwin ends his Test career as India's second-highest wicket-taker in the format, with 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Tests, only behind Anil Kumble, who finished with 619 wickets from 132 Tests.
In the previous series, the 3-0 defeat at home to New Zealand, Ashwin had picked up only nine wickets at an average of 41.22. Ashwin was the first bowler to record 100 WTC wickets and is currently the highest-wicket taker with 195 scalps from in 41 matches, followed by Australia’s Nathan Lyon (190).
In addition to his wickets, Ashwin also scored 3503 Test runs with six hundreds and 14 fifties, making him one of 11 allrounders with more than 3000 runs and 300 wickets. He also won a record 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, level with Muthiah Muralidaran.