In a move that has taken the cricketing world by surprise, India’s star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket. Known for his remarkable performances across all formats, Ashwin leaves a legacy as one of the most successful and versatile cricketers in India’s history. His decision comes on the heels of the third Test against Australia, marking the end of an illustrious 14-year career.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Ashwin’s achievements, his decision to retire, and his impact on Indian and global cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin Retirement: The Announcement
When Did Ashwin Announce His Retirement?
On the final day of the rain-hit third Test against Australia in Brisbane, Ashwin shared the news during a press conference. Sitting beside India’s captain Rohit Sharma, Ashwin humbly declared, “Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer.”
He left the conference immediately after making the announcement, without entertaining questions from the media.
Rohit Sharma’s Reaction to Ashwin’s Retirement
India’s captain Rohit Sharma supported Ashwin’s decision, stating, “He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants.” The mutual respect between the two was evident as Ashwin exited the stage, signaling the end of a storied international career.
Ashwin’s Test Career: A Legacy to Remember
How Many Test Wickets Did Ashwin Take?
Ashwin ended his Test career as India’s second-highest wicket-taker with an incredible 537 wickets in 106 matches. His ability to adapt to different conditions made him a match-winner both at home and overseas.
What Are Ashwin’s Milestones in Test Cricket?
- Five-Wicket Hauls: Ashwin achieved 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, cementing his place among the greats.
- Allrounder Achievements: Beyond bowling, Ashwin contributed with the bat, scoring six centuries and 3,503 Test runs. His dual role as an allrounder made him indispensable in red-ball cricket.
Ashwin’s White-Ball Career: A Look Back
How Did Ashwin Perform in ODIs and T20Is?
Ashwin’s white-ball career also boasts impressive numbers:
- ODIs: 116 matches, 156 wickets.
- T20Is: 65 matches, 72 wickets.
While his Test performances often overshadowed his limited-overs exploits, Ashwin’s variations and control were key assets in India’s bowling arsenal.
Ashwin’s Impact in the World Test Championship (WTC)
How Did Ashwin Dominate the WTC?
Ashwin was a standout performer in the World Test Championship (WTC) across its three cycles. He became the first bowler to claim 100 WTC wickets and currently leads the charts with 195 dismissals in 41 matches.
His achievements in the WTC underline his ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes matches.
Ashwin’s IPL Future: What’s Next?
Will Ashwin Continue Playing Cricket?
While Ashwin has retired from international cricket, his journey in franchise cricket continues. In the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, he was picked up by the Chennai Super Kings for an impressive ₹9.75 crore. Fans can look forward to seeing him don the yellow jersey once again.
Key Moments Leading to Ashwin’s Retirement
Speculations in the Gabba Test
During the Gabba Test, Ashwin was spotted sharing a warm moment with Virat Kohli in the dressing room. This fueled speculations about his impending retirement, which were confirmed later in the press conference.
Ashwin’s Final Match: A Modest Goodbye
How Did Ashwin Perform in His Last Match?
Ashwin played the day-night Test in Adelaide, picking up one wicket. Although it wasn’t a blockbuster farewell, his decision reflects his humility and respect for the game.
FAQs About Ravichandran Ashwin Retirement
1. How many wickets did Ashwin take in Test cricket?
Ashwin concluded his career with 537 Test wickets, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format.
2. Did Ashwin score centuries in international cricket?
Yes, Ashwin scored six Test centuries and finished his career with 3,503 Test runs. He also notched up a half-century in ODIs.
3. What is Ashwin’s record in white-ball cricket?
In ODIs, Ashwin claimed 156 wickets in 116 matches, while in T20Is, he picked up 72 wickets in 65 games.
4. Which was Ashwin’s last international match?
Ashwin’s final match was the second Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide, Australia.
5. What is Ashwin’s future in cricket?
While he has retired from international cricket, Ashwin will continue playing in the IPL and other franchise leagues.
6. What made Ashwin a unique cricketer?
Ashwin’s versatility as an allrounder, his sharp cricketing mind, and his ability to adapt to different formats and conditions set him apart as one of the greatest players of his generation.
Conclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His contributions as a bowler, batsman, and strategist have left an indelible mark on the game. As fans, we can only celebrate his incredible journey and look forward to his performances in franchise cricket.
The cricketing world bids farewell to a legend, but Ashwin’s legacy will inspire generations to come.
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