Following R Ashwin's announcement of taking retirement from international cricket, Australia players Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins presented the veteran spinner with a signed jersey while meeting him in the halls of the Gabba. The heartfelt moment was captured by the BCCI, just hours after the player's public announcement.
"Well done mate, thank you, you have been a hell of a cricketer," Pat Cummins congratulated Ashwin while presenting the shirt.
A Legend Bids Adieu to International Cricket
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024
Hear what R Ashwin’s parting words were to the Indian dressing room #TeamIndia | @ashwinravi99 https://t.co/6wtwdDOmzX
R Ashwin announces retirement
Following the conclusion of Gabba Test the legendary India spinner spoke briefly about his decision to retire from international cricket with Rohit Sharma seating beside him . He said, "This will be my last day as an Indian cricket in all formats of the game at the international level. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer. I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket. So this will be my last day. I have had a lot of fun. I must say I've created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my teammates," Ashwin said at the press conference.
"Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank. But, I would be failing in my duty if I didn't thank the BCCI and the rest of my teammates. I want to name a few of them and all the coaches -- Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya and Pujara who have taken all those catches in the slips to help me get those wickets."
R Ashwin's major achievements during Test cricket journey
Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and quickly established himself as a key component of India's bowling attack. His ability to take wickets on various surfaces, especially on the turning tracks of the Indian subcontinent, was unparalleled.
Ashwin played an integral role in India's home series dominance during Virat Kohli's captaincy between 2014 and 2021. The veteran spinner was named the ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016, becoming only the third Indian to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for his remarkable all-round performances that year.
He has held the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings multiple times, reflecting his dominance in the longest format. First achieving the milestone in 2015, Ashwin consistently reclaimed the position due to his match-winning spells, especially on subcontinental pitches.