Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, announced his retirement from international cricket following the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane. The 38-year-old spinner made this emotional declaration during a post-match press conference alongside captain Rohit Sharma, stating, “Today will be my last day as an Indian cricketer.” Ashwin’s decision comes after a remarkable career spanning over 14 years, during which he emerged as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with an impressive tally of 537 wickets from 106 matches.
Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket have been significant. He played a pivotal role in India’s rise to prominence in Test cricket, particularly from 2014 to 2019, and was known for his exceptional skill as an off-spinner. His record includes 37 five-wicket hauls, placing him among the top bowlers in the format. Additionally, Ashwin was instrumental in India’s victories in major tournaments, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Despite his stellar achievements, Ashwin’s recent performances have been affected by injuries and competition for places within the team. He played only one match in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and had struggled during India’s previous series against New Zealand. With younger players like Washington Sundar emerging and Ashwin’s knee issues complicating his selection for future matches, he felt it was time to step back from international cricket.
In his farewell statement, Ashwin expressed a desire to continue playing at the club level and mentioned his aspiration to win the Ranji Trophy with Tamil Nadu. He plans to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), rejoining Chennai Super Kings, where he began his professional career.
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a significant impact on the game. His remarkable journey has inspired many young cricketers, and he will be remembered as one of the greats of Indian cricket history.
